The bacterium *Staphylococcus epidermidis* benefits by using dead human skin cells as nutrients, typically without affecting the human host. However, this relationship is not always distinctly commensal; it can also be viewed as mutualism because *S. epidermidis* produces bacteriocins that can defend the human host against potential pathogens.

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Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits from the interaction while the other organism is unaffected.

Commensalism 

Some microorganisms live on the skin and use sweat and sebum as a source of nutrition. These microbes often secrete antimicrobials to try and prevent other organisms from colonizing and infecting the skin.

Normal Microbiota of the Skin

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

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Commensalism with *Staphylococcus epidermidis* and humans

The skin microbiota contains bacteria such as *Staphylococcus epidermidis* and *Cutibacterium acnes* that produce antibacterial bacteriocins and bacteriocin-like compounds. These compounds target and kill other potential pathogens while leaving *S. epidermidis* and *C. acnes* unaffected.

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