Organ damage occurs in up to 70 percent of patients in the first few months following stem cell transplant, but the underlying mechanisms for the potentially life-threatening reaction are not known. Now, in a new study, scientists at the Medical University of Vienna believe they have identified at least one factor—a patient’s skin microbiome.

For the study, the research team examined the skin of 50 patients, most of whom had undergone stem cell transplant (SCT) for leukemia. In the first few weeks or months after receiving the stem cells from the donor, a donor-versus-recipient reaction (graft-versus-host disease, GVHD) occurred in some of the test subjects. When the bacteria on the skin of those affected were analyzed in detail, the researchers found a drastic decrease in bacterial abundance.

"The reduction in proliferation was particularly pronounced in severe cases of GVHD, even before symptoms appeared," said Georg Stary, associate professor in the department of dermatology.

At the same time, the scientists observed an increased occurrence in patients with GVHD of staphylococci on the skin, which causes serious infections.

GVHD almost always affects the skin: the first symptoms are usually rashes, which, depending on the severity, can manifest themselves as slight redness or severely inflamed cutaneous changes with a detachment of the uppermost skin layer.

With the identification of the skin microbiome in GVHD, the scientists have another tool at their disposal with which to research and develop improved treatment measures.

Stray and his research team plan to launch follow-up studies exploring whether the observed change in the skin microbiome contributes to the development of GVHD, and whether new therapeutic approaches can be identified from new study results.

Information provided by Medical University of Vienna.

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