Propionibacterium acnes: infection beyond the skin

Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2011 Dec;9(12):1149-56. doi: 10.1586/eri.11.137.

Abstract

Propionibacterium acnes is a Gram-positive bacterium that forms part of the normal flora of the skin, oral cavity, large intestine, the conjunctiva and the external ear canal. Although primarily recognized for its role in acne, P. acnes is an opportunistic pathogen, causing a range of postoperative and device-related infections. These include infections of the bones and joints, mouth, eye and brain. Device-related infections include those of joint prostheses, shunts and prosthetic heart valves. P. acnes may play a role in other conditions, including inflammation of the prostate leading to cancer, SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis) syndrome, sarcoidosis and sciatica. If an active role in these conditions is established there are major implications for diagnosis, treatment and protection. Genome sequencing of the organism has provided an insight into the pathogenic potential and virulence of P. acnes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Hyperostosis Syndrome / complications
  • Acquired Hyperostosis Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Acquired Hyperostosis Syndrome / microbiology*
  • Acquired Hyperostosis Syndrome / pathology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bone and Bones / drug effects
  • Bone and Bones / microbiology
  • Bone and Bones / pathology
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / microbiology
  • Brain / pathology
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / complications
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / drug therapy
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / microbiology*
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / pathology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / microbiology*
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Male
  • Mouth / drug effects
  • Mouth / microbiology
  • Mouth / pathology
  • Propionibacterium acnes / drug effects*
  • Propionibacterium acnes / physiology
  • Prostate / drug effects
  • Prostate / microbiology
  • Prostate / pathology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / microbiology*
  • Sarcoidosis / complications
  • Sarcoidosis / drug therapy
  • Sarcoidosis / microbiology*
  • Sarcoidosis / pathology
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin / microbiology*
  • Skin / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents