Axillary microbiome

The axillary microbiome is a specialized microbial community inhabiting the human armpit, a region defined by high moisture and nutrient availability from eccrine and apocrine glands (Callewaert et al., 2013). This ecosystem is dominated by Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, and Cutibacterium species, which are responsible for the biotransformation of odorless sweat secretions into malodorous volatile organic compounds, such as thioalcohols and volatile fatty acids (Troccaz et al., 2015). As a therapeutic target, the axillary microbiome is central to managing bromhidrosis and chronic inflammatory skin diseases like hidradenitis suppurativa (James et al., 2013). Traditional treatments involve the use of topical antibiotics and aluminum-based antiperspirants to reduce microbial density, while modern approaches investigate the use of probiotics and microbial transplants to restore ecological balance (Bawdon et al., 2015). Targeting this microbiome allows for localized treatment of skin conditions and odor, though challenges include maintaining long-term community stability and avoiding the development of antimicrobial resistance. Research into the axillary microbiome also explores its role in host-pathogen interactions and its potential as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes. By modulating specific bacterial enzymes like C-S lyase, researchers aim to develop deodorants that target odor production without disrupting the beneficial commensal population.

Other names

Underarm microbiomeAxillary microbiotaArmpit microbiome

Reduction of total microbial biomass through broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents, targeted inhibition of bacterial enzymes such as C-S lyase responsible for malodor production, and competitive exclusion of odor-producing taxa using probiotic or commensal bacterial strains (Callewaert et al., 2013; Troccaz et al., 2015).