Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B Applied on Intact Normal and Intact Atopic Skin Induces Dermatitis

Abstract

The superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B applied on intact skin from both normal subjects and patients with atopic dermatitis induces an inflammatory reaction. This finding suggests that superantigens released from S aureus present on the skin in inflammatory skin diseases may exacerbate and sustain the inflammation.