Previously hidden intraspecies dynamics underlie the apparent stability of two important skin microbiome species.

ABSTRACT: Adult human facial skin microbiomes are remarkably similar at the species-level, dominated by Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, yet each person harbors a unique community of strains. Understanding how person-specific communities assemble is critical for designing microbiome-based therapies. Here, using 4,055 isolate genomes and 360 metagenomes, we reconstruct on-person evolutionary history to reveal on and between-person strain dynamics. We find that multiple cells are typically involved in transmission, indicating ample opportunity for migration. Despite this accessibility, family members share only some of their strains. S. epidermidis communities are dynamic, with each strain persisting for an average of only 2 years. C. acnes strains are mo

SUBMITTER: Baker JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10802602 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature