The deodorant of the future could be possible thanks to viruses that prey on odor-causing bacteria. Scientists in Japan believe they have discovered a bacteriophage-derived chemical weapon that can target a species of bacteria known to contribute to the body odor in our armpits.
Our sweat begins odorless, but when certain skin bacteria start feeding on sweat, they can break down some of its ingredients into smelly chemicals. Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University wanted to better understand how this process occurs and the key players involved.
The team collected armpit sweat samples from 20 healthy men, with samples from 11 men considered to have particularly strong odors. The researchers analyzed the bacterial community living on these men’s skin, also known as the microbiome, as well as the molecular composition of the metabolic byproducts produced by the bacteria. These samples contained higher levels of precursor chemicals that ultimately alter our bodies, along with increased levels of a certain bacterium. Staphylococci in humans.
S. of the human is commonly found on our skin and is usually harmless, except in unusual circumstances, such as a very weakened immune system. But other research has recommended that these bacteria are a major source of body odor and can produce some of the most pungent odors our armpits can emit. After researchers found more evidence of this bacterium’s involvement in our stench, they looked for a countermeasure.
They found a lysine – an enzyme that can destroy a bacterium’s cell wall – present in a bacteriophage known to infect S. of the human, then synthesized it. Similar to viruses that infect humans or other hosts, bacteriophages tend to selectively choose the bacteria they hunt and hijack in order to make more of themselves. And when they tested the lysine in experiments, they actually found that it only killed S. of the human and other bacteria left alone. The results are published this month in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
This is only a small study, so further research would be needed to confirm whether the team’s lysine can effectively and safely reduce body odor without causing major harmful consequences. However, the study’s authors note that there’s not much we can do about body odor right now, so they hope the work can one day help scientists curb the stench.
“Armpit [armpit] “Odor is one of the few dermatological diseases where bacteria are the main cause,” said lead author Miki Watanabe, an immunologist and dermatologist at Osaka Metropolitan University, in a opinion from the university. “Although many patients suffer from underarm odor, there are few treatment options. We believe this study will lead to a new therapy.”