[Bacterial infections of the skin in the context of climate change and migration].

BACKGROUND

In the context of climate change and migration, both common and previously less common pathogens are gaining importance as cutaneous bacterial infections.

OBJECTIVE

To inform medical professionals about challenges to dermatology posed by climate change and migration.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Review of the current literature on emerging antimicrobial resistance and emerging pathogens in general and on the epidemiological situation in Germany in particular.

RESULTS

Climate change has a direct impact on microbiological ecosystems in Germany's warming coastal waters leading to an increase of marine V. vulnificus counts and human infections. Secondary to global warming, transmitting vectors of, for example, Lyme disease, rickettsioses and tularemia are also increasing. In addition, infectious diseases like cutaneous diphtheria and mycobacteriosis have been diagnosed in migrants, mostly likely acquired before migration or on the migration route and first diagnosed in Germany. In this context, antimicrobial resistance (e.g. methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] and multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria) is gaining importance.

CONCLUSION

Due to progressive changes in global climate and ongoing migration, the aforementioned pathogens of infectious skin diseases and changes in antimicrobial resistance patterns have to be expected. Physicians should be aware of these developments in order to offer appropriate diagnostics and treatment. Epidemiological and biogeographic monitoring will be indispensable for managing emerging changes.