Skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, often called staph infections, are extremely common and can sometimes become very serious. These bacteria live harmlessly on the skin of many people, but if they enter the body through cuts, scratches, or damaged skin, they can cause painful infections.
In severe cases, the bacteria can spread into the bloodstream and lead to life‑threatening conditions such as sepsis, which can damage organs and even cause death. Doctors have long noticed that men tend to develop more severe staph skin infections than women, but the reason for this difference has remained a mystery.
A new study from researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center has uncovered an unexpected explanation. The scientists found that testosterone, a hormone that is present at much higher levels in males, may actually help the bacteria become more harmful.
Testosterone is best known for its role in male development, muscle growth, and reproduction, but it also affects many tissues in the body, including the skin and immune system.
The researchers discovered that testosterone can activate a communication system used by the bacteria. This system, known as quorum sensing, allows bacteria to sense how many of their own kind are nearby.
When enough bacteria gather together, they send signals that trigger the release of toxins and other harmful substances. These toxins can destroy skin cells, red blood cells, and immune cells that normally fight infection, allowing the bacteria to spread more easily.
In experiments, the team found that skin cells from males produced more testosterone than those from females. Male mice also developed more severe infections when exposed to a dangerous strain of staph bacteria called MRSA, which is resistant to many antibiotics.
When scientists reduced testosterone levels in male mice, the animals became more resistant to infection. On the other hand, when testosterone was applied to the skin of female mice, their infections became worse. These findings strongly suggest that testosterone directly influences how aggressive the bacteria become.
While investigating this effect, the scientists made another surprising discovery. They tested a mirror‑image form of testosterone, called ent‑testosterone, which has the same chemical components but a different structure.
Instead of helping the bacteria, this version blocked the communication system and reduced the bacteria’s ability to damage tissue. When applied to the skin of mice, it weakened the infection in both males and females.
This approach is different from traditional antibiotics, which work by killing bacteria directly. Over time, bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics, making infections harder to treat.
By blocking the bacteria’s ability to communicate and release toxins instead of killing them, scientists hope to reduce the risk of resistance while still preventing serious illness. This strategy could also protect helpful bacteria that normally live on the skin and support health.
The findings may help explain why men are more likely to suffer from severe staph infections and could lead to new treatments for conditions such as infected wounds, abscesses, and chronic skin diseases that are often complicated by these bacteria.
However, the research is still in early stages, and studies in humans will be needed to confirm whether the same effects occur outside of laboratory models.
Analyzing the study, the results are both exciting and cautious. The discovery links hormones to bacterial behavior in a way that had not been clearly shown before, opening a new path for treating infections without relying solely on antibiotics.
At the same time, scientists must carefully test whether blocking bacterial communication is safe and effective for patients. If future research confirms these findings, it could lead to innovative therapies that prevent dangerous infections while preserving the body’s natural defenses.
This study highlights how complex interactions between the human body and microbes can influence disease risk and treatment possibilities.
If you care about skin health, please read studies about top signs of diabetic skin disease, and Mediterranean diet could help lower the skin cancer risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies about eating fish linked to higher risk of skin cancer, and results showing how to combat the effects of aging on your skin.
The study is published in Nature Microbiology.
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