A comparative study of the cutaneous microflora of normal feet with low and high levels of odour.

Abstract in brief

• The study compares the skin microflora of normal feet with low and high odour levels, finding that high odour is linked to higher populations of certain bacteria like staphylococci and aerobic coryneform bacteria, but not to specific microorganisms like brevibacteria.
• Many bacteria produce enzymes such as lipase and proteinase, with higher enzyme activity observed in odorous feet, indicating these enzymes may contribute to odour production, especially through breaking down callous or skin fats.
• The research suggests that microorganisms producing these enzymes are involved in generating foot odour, but no connection was found between odour and bacteria that produce methanethiol, leading to a hypothesis about the microbial role in odour formation.]