Propionibacterium acnes

• Published in: Letters in applied microbiology Vol. 42; no. 3; pp. 185 - 188
• Main Authors: Perry, A.L., Lambert, P.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-03-2006; Blackwell Science
• Subjects: Acne Vulgaris - microbiology; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Cytokines - immunology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Genome, Bacterial; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections - immunology; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections - microbiology; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections - pathology; Humans; Hyperostosis - microbiology; Inflammation - pathology; Microbiology; Osteitis - microbiology; Postoperative Complications - microbiology; Propionibacterium acnes - isolation & purification; Propionibacterium acnes - pathogenicity; Propionibacterium acnes - physiology; Sarcoidosis - microbiology; Synovitis - microbiology; Virulence Factors; Propionibacteriaceae; Bacteria; Actinomycetes; Propionibacterium acnes; Applied microbiology
• ISSN: 0266-8254; 1472-765X; 1365-2673
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765X.2006.01866.x

Propionibacterium acnes, a common skin organism, is most notably recognized for its role in acne vulgaris. It also causes postoperative and device‐related infections and has been associated with a number of other conditions such as sarcoidosis and synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis (SAPHO), although its precise role as a causative agent remains to be determined. Propionibacterium acnes produces a number of virulence factors and is well known for its inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Recent publication of the P. acnes genome should provide further insights into the pathogenic capabilities of the organism and potentially lead to the development of new therapies.