Wound microbiome community structure

The wound microbiome community structure refers to the complex assembly of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that colonize both acute and chronic wounds (Kalan et al., 2019). Unlike healthy skin, the wound environment often shifts toward a state of dysbiosis characterized by low diversity and the dominance of opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Loesche et al., 2017). These microorganisms frequently organize into polymicrobial biofilms, which provide physical protection against host immune cells and systemic antibiotics, thereby contributing to the chronicity of wounds like diabetic foot ulcers (James et al., 2008). Therapeutic strategies targeting the wound microbiome aim to shift the community structure from a pathogenic state to a commensal-rich environment that supports the transition from the inflammatory to the proliferative phase of healing (Verbanic et al., 2020). This is achieved through debridement, targeted antimicrobials, and emerging modalities like phage therapy or microbiome transplants.

Other names

Wound microbiotaWound microbial communityWound biofilmSkin wound microbiome

Modulation of the microbial ecosystem to reduce pathogenic burden, disrupt polymicrobial biofilms, and restore a commensal balance that promotes host inflammatory resolution and tissue regeneration.