Given that follicular papules and pustules, as well as nodules and abscesses, are the clinical hallmarks of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), an infectious, bacterial pathway has been suspected in the pathogenesis of this chronic, inflammatory condition. Elucidating the behavior and role of bacterial species in HS and their interaction with cutaneous innate immunity will provide more insight into the pathophysiology of this condition. This review of prospective investigations suggests a synergistic relationship between impaired innate immunity and microbial factors in the etiology of HS.
Keywords: Staphylococcus lugdunensis; acne inversa; actinomycetes; anaerobes; bacterial metagenomics; bacteriology; biofilm; hidradenitis suppurativa; milleri group streptococci.
Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.