Correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and methicillin - resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin colonization in atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Purpose: Bacterial infection with Staphylococcus aureus is a common complication of atopic dermatitis (AD) and involved in the worsening of this disease. Recent studies have revealed an increasing prevalence of community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) among patients with AD and the role of vitamin D in the immunopathogenesis of AD. We carried out a study to see whether levels of vitamin D correlate with MRSA skin colonization in AD. Methods: Total 60 patients with AD aged between 3 months and 6 years old were enrolled. We measured disease severity using the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index, serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D), total immunoglobulin E levels, eosinophil cationic protein and bacterial colonization by skin swab and culture method. Results: S. aureus was cultured in 20 patients of the total (33.3%). MRSA was comprised 35% of the S. aureus- positive group. SCORAD value was significantly higher in S. aureus- positive group. Serum levels (mean +/- standard deviation) of 25( OH) D were lower in MRSA group (22.6 +/- 11.5 ng/mL) compared with those of methicillin- sensitive S. aureus group (31.3 +/- 10.2 ng/mL) or S. aureus negative group (34.3 +/- 15.8 ng/mL). But there was no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Our study shows that the serum levels of 25(OH) D were lower in MRSA group. But there was no statistically significant difference. Therefore further studies including large numbers of cases are necessary.