In-vitro and in-vivo studies of human axillary odour and the cutaneous microflora

Abstract
The axillary microflora of 34 male subjects were studied in relation to their underarm odour intensity. The predominant groups of micro-organisms were aerobic coryneforms, Micrococcaceae and propionibacteria. There was no competition for habitat between these groups (Fishers exact test P 2, P= 0.005). An in-vitro odour model was developed using a diethyl ether extract of axillary skin incubated with test bacteria. Underarm odour was produced exclusively by aerobic coryneform bacteria. Of aerobic coryneforms, 71.4% were odour producers and these were identified as Corynebacterium xerosis.

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