Vitreoscilla filiformis

Vitreoscilla filiformis (from Latin vitreus, clear or transparent and oscillum, swing) is a genus of obligate aerobic bacteria that morphologically appear as colorless filaments containing cells with diameters of 1-3 μm and 1-12 μm in length. Each thread can contain between 1 and 40 cells. Locomotion is gliding. The cell walls consist of the amino acids alanine, glutamate and diaminopimelic acid in an approximate molar ratio of 2:1:1.

The biomass of Vitreoscilla filiformis has been shown to have antioxidant and antibacterial properties and also stimulates the skin's own defenses when applied locally (Mahe YF et al. 2013). At the same time, some research results point to its positive regulatory role for microbiome dysbiosis in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis, suggesting a potential role of pre-, post- and probiotics in restoring microbiome balance.

Vitreoscilla filiformis-containing topicals offer benefits for the balance of the skin microbiome and the immune response. They exert immunomodulatory effects and improve the integrity of the skin barrier through various mechanisms, including reducing pathogenic bacteria of the skin microbiome and restoring microbial homeostasis, thereby strengthening skin defense mechanisms.

Vitreoscilla bacteria have the unique property that they produce a type of haemoglobin - VHb. This molecule, unlike classical hemoglobin, consists of only a single globin molecule. VHb is known to have a variety of functions, including enhancing cell growth, protein synthesis, improving metabolism, detoxifying nitric oxide, increasing respiration and productivity.

Externals containing Vitreoscilla filiformis have the potential to reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis (Gueniche A et al. 2008).

Adjuvant treatment with emollients containing Vitreoscilla filiformis (Emollient "Plus") has been shown to be effective, particularly in its effect on the skin microbiome (Prakoeswa CRS et al. 2025).

1. Gueniche A et al. (2008) Effects of Nonpathogenic Gram-Negative Bacterium Vitreoscilla filiformis Lysate on Atopic Dermatitis: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study," British Journal of Dermatology 159: 1357-1363.
2. La Colla L et al. (2008) Effects of nonpathogenic gram-negative bacterium Vitreoscilla filiformis lysate on atopic dermatitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Does this make a real difference? Br J Dermatol 161:477-478;
3. Mahe YF et al. (2013) "New Vitreoscilla filiformis Extract Grown on Spa Water-Enriched Medium Activates Endogenous Cutaneous Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Defenses Through a Potential Toll-Like Receptor 2/Protein Kinase C, Zeta Transduction Pathway," Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology 6: 191-196
4. Prakoeswa CRS et al. (2025) Effectiveness and Tolerability of an Emollient "Plus" Compared to Urea 10% in Patients With Mild-to-Moderate Atopic Dermatitis. J Cosmet Dermatol 24:e70051.
5. Trzeciak M et al.(2023) Emollients 'Plus' With Vitreoscilla filiformis in Monotherapy and Adjunctive Therapy in Skin Diseases in Children," Dermatology Review 110: 602-607.