Bacteria Causing Body Odor Identified

(RTTNews) - Researchers in England have identified the bacteria on human skin that causes body odor.

According to a new study, body odors are caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus hominis, which live in human skin. When the bacteria breaks down sweat molecules, it releases a pungent odor.

The scientists Daniel Bawdon and Gavin Thomas of York, along with Gordon James and Diana Cox of Unilever presented their research at the Society for General Microbiology's annual conference in Birmingham, England.

Dan Bawdon from the Department of Biology at York, who led the research, said: "This work has significantly advanced our understanding of the specific biochemical processes involved in body odour production. It was surprising that this particular body odour pathway is governed by only a small number of the many bacterial species residing in the underarm. We have opened up the possibility of inhibiting body odour formation using compounds designed to target the specific proteins controlling the release of malodorants."

According to the researchers, identifying the main culprit behind body odor will help consumer products company to develop more effective deodorants.