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Lipolytic, Proteolytic, and Cholesterol-Degrading Bacteria from the Human Cerumen

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Abstract

Cerumen, also known as ear wax, is a yellowish waxy substance secreted from specialized glands in the ear canal of mammals. Human cerumen is rich in protein (mainly keratin), lipids (long-chain fatty acids), alcohols, squalene, and cholesterol. To-date the role of cerumen is not totally clear but it is believed to have antimicrobial properties. Here we describe the isolation of multiple bacterial species from human cerumen (among them many Staphylococcus spp. and, interestingly, multiple Bacillus spp.) showing that many of these bacteria harbor biochemical traits enabling them to utilize different cerumen components for their growth. We also suggest the existence of microbial consortia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology and Environment, University of Haifa in Oranim, Haifa, Israel

    Yoram Gerchman & Rinat Patichov

  2. Department of Biology and Environment, Oranim College, Tivon, Israel

    Yoram Gerchman

  3. Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel

    Tal Zeltzer

Authors
  1. Yoram Gerchman
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  2. Rinat Patichov
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  3. Tal Zeltzer
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Correspondence to Yoram Gerchman.

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Gerchman, Y., Patichov, R. & Zeltzer, T. Lipolytic, Proteolytic, and Cholesterol-Degrading Bacteria from the Human Cerumen. Curr Microbiol 64, 588–591 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-012-0113-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-012-0113-8

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