Axillary microbial community

The axillary microbial community, or axillary microbiome, is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms inhabiting the human underarm, characterized by high humidity and a high density of sweat glands (Urban et al., 2016). This community is primarily dominated by the genera Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, and Cutibacterium, which utilize the nutrient-rich secretions of apocrine and eccrine glands for growth (Callewaert et al., 2013). The biological significance of this target lies in its metabolic capacity to convert odorless sweat precursors into malodorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as thioalcohols and branched-chain fatty acids, through specific bacterial enzymes like C-S lyases (Bawdon et al., 2015). Clinically, the axillary microbiome is the primary target for treating bromhidrosis (excessive body odor) and is implicated in dermatological conditions such as erythrasma and hidradenitis suppurativa (Troccaz et al., 2015). Therapeutic interventions range from traditional antimicrobials and antiperspirants that reduce bacterial load and moisture to novel microbiome-shaping strategies like prebiotics, probiotics, and microbial transplants (Callewaert et al., 2014). Understanding the specific bacterial species and metabolic pathways within this community is essential for developing targeted, non-disruptive treatments that manage odor while maintaining skin health.

Other names

Axillary microbiomeUnderarm microbiotaArmpit microbial communityAxillary flora

Inhibition of microbial growth through antimicrobial action, enzymatic inhibition of bacterial C-S lyases, reduction of sweat substrate availability via pore occlusion, and competitive exclusion through probiotic modulation.