Acceleration of the formation of biofilms on contact lens surfaces in the presence of neutrophil-derived cellular debris is conserved across multiple genera.

Purpose: We have previously shown that invasive strains of exploit the robust neutrophil response to form biofilms on contact lens surfaces and invade the corneal epithelium. The present study investigated the ability of multiple bacterial genera, all commonly recovered during contact lens-related infectious events, to adhere to and form biofilms on contact lens surfaces in the presence of neutrophils.

Methods: Five reference strains from the American Type Culture Collection were used: and .

The Importance of Patient Registries in Skin of Color.

Patient registries serve as powerful and cost-effective research tools that can help improve our understanding of disease pathogenesis and treatment. Although patient registries for various dermatologic diseases currently exist, few address diseases affecting primarily skin of color. Establishing patient registries for diseases that affect skin of color is one potential solution to overcoming some of the limitations researchers face when studying these disorders.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Contact Lens Care Solutions Against Neutrophil-Enhanced Bacterial Biofilms.

Purpose: Neutrophil-derived extracellular debris has been shown to accelerate bacterial biofilm formation on hydrogel and silicone hydrogel contact lens surfaces compared to lenses inoculated with bacteria alone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the disinfection efficacy of four standard commercial contact lens cleaning regimens against neutrophil-enhanced bacterial biofilms formed on silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Methods: Four reference strains were used: Pseudomonas aeruginosa Serratia marcescens Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Staphylococcus aureus.

Diversity in the dermatology workforce.

The United States is becoming increasingly diverse, and minorities are projected to represent the majority of our population in the near future. Unfortunately, health disparities still exist for these groups, and inequalities have also become evident in the field of dermatology. There is currently a lack of diversity within the dermatology workforce.