Wound Microbiota and Its Impact on Wound Healing

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Dec 10;24(24):17318. doi: 10.3390/ijms242417318.

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex process influenced by age, systemic conditions, and local factors. The wound microbiota's crucial role in this process is gaining recognition. This concise review outlines wound microbiota impacts on healing, emphasizing distinct phases like hemostasis, inflammation, and cell proliferation. Inflammatory responses, orchestrated by growth factors and cytokines, recruit neutrophils and monocytes to eliminate pathogens and debris. Notably, microbiota alterations relate to changes in wound healing dynamics. Commensal bacteria influence immune responses, keratinocyte growth, and blood vessel development. For instance, Staphylococcus epidermidis aids keratinocyte progression, while Staphylococcus aureus colonization impedes healing. Other bacteria like Group A Streptococcus spp. And Pseudomonas affect wound healing as well. Clinical applications of microbiota-based wound care are promising, with probiotics and specific bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii aiding tissue repair through molecule secretion. Understanding microbiota influence on wound healing offers therapeutic avenues. Tailored approaches, including probiotics, prebiotics, and antibiotics, can manipulate the microbiota to enhance immune modulation, tissue repair, and inflammation control. Despite progress, critical questions linger. Determining the ideal microbiota composition for optimal wound healing, elucidating precise influence mechanisms, devising effective manipulation strategies, and comprehending the intricate interplay between the microbiota, host, and other factors require further exploration.

Keywords: microbiome composition; microbiota; wounds.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Keratinocytes
  • Microbiota*
  • Wound Healing*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.