We have a potentially deadly bacterium on the skin: that's why it's underestimated

A close relative of MRSA lives on our skin, Staphylococcus epidermidis, which is one of the leading causes of infections after surgery, but is often neglected, wrongly, by doctors and scientists. Researchers at the Milner Center for Evolution at the University of Bath explain why we should start to worry.

An underestimated bacterium. Researchers say the bacterium poses a significant threat to our health and needs to be taken more seriously as the risk of infection is very high. But why

Question of genetics. As part of their study, the experts identified 61 genes that allow this normally harmless skin bacterium to trigger life-threatening diseases: this research has determined which strains of the bacteria are responsible for certain diseases for which they are more at risk. subjects with these genes.

L & # 39; study To reach this conclusion, the researchers took samples from patients who had already suffered from infections after surgery and compared them with those of other healthy volunteers. From the data collected, 61 genes of the bacterium responsible for the disease were therefore identified, absent in healthy subjects.

What are these genes for? The genes in question would have the task of helping bacteria to multiply in the blood, limit the immune response of the patient and resist antibiotics.

But why have we always ignored it? According to the researchers, the bacteria has always been ignored because it simply falls under the risk of surgery. "Post-operative infections can be extremely serious and can be fatal," experts say, adding, "If we do nothing to control this bacterium, these genes that cause the disease may spread more widely, which means post-operative infections. antibiotic-resistant may become even more common. "