Wounds And The Microbiota: The Healing Interplay Between Host And Microbial Communities

Chronic, non-healing wounds are a significant global health issue, often worsened by microbial imbalances and weakened host responses. The skin microbiota plays a crucial role in the wound healing process, which includes hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Beneficial microbes like <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i> and <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> aid in tissue repair by inducing antimicrobial peptides and modulating cytokine production. In contrast, opportunistic pathogens such as <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, and <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> hinder healing through biofilm formation and proteolytic activity. Understanding these interactions can lead to the development of microbiome-targeted therapies for chronic wounds.