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Vox Sanguinis Apr 2008Propionibacterium acnes is considered to be one of the most frequent contaminants of platelet concentrates (PCs) when anaerobic culture-based detection methods are used....
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Propionibacterium acnes is considered to be one of the most frequent contaminants of platelet concentrates (PCs) when anaerobic culture-based detection methods are used. But Propionibacteria are often detected too late when blood products have already been transfused. Therefore, its transfusion relevance is still demanding clarification because studies of the outcome of patients transfused with P. acnes-contaminated PCs are still uncommon. In this study, we monitored clinical effects in patients after transfusion of PCs, which were detected too late in sterility testing. Furthermore, we assessed the bacterial proliferation of Propionibacterium species seeded into PCs to clarify their significance for platelet bacteria screening.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In the look-back process, we followed the route of the putative contaminated PC units from storage to transfusion. In the in vitro study, PCs were inoculated with 1-100 colony-forming unit (CFU)/ml of clinical isolates of Propionibacteria (n = 10). Sampling was performed during 10-day aerobic storage at 22 degrees C. The presence of bacteria was assessed by plating culture and automated BacT/Alert culture system.
RESULTS
Propionibacterium acnes shows slow or no growth under PC storage conditions. Clinical signs of adverse events after transfusion of potentially contaminated PC units were not reported.
CONCLUSION
Propionibacteria do not proliferate under PC storage conditions and therefore may be missed or detected too late when blood products have already been transfused.
Topics: Bacteriological Techniques; Blood Banks; Blood Platelets; Blood Preservation; Colony Count, Microbial; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Platelet Transfusion; Propionibacterium acnes
PubMed: 18086288
DOI: 10.1111/j.1423-0410.2007.01019.x -
Archives of Dermatology Feb 2004Progressive macular hypomelanosis is a common hypopigmentation mainly on the central parts of the trunk, predominantly in young adults, especially women. It is often...
BACKGROUND
Progressive macular hypomelanosis is a common hypopigmentation mainly on the central parts of the trunk, predominantly in young adults, especially women. It is often mistaken for pityriasis versicolor and pityriasis alba. It occurs in all races and has been described in many parts of the world. We discovered follicular red fluorescence restricted to lesional skin. We suspected a relation with a porphyrin-producing bacteria residing in sebum of the pilosebaceous duct, and we therefore performed a study in 8 patients. Observation In all biopsy specimens taken from lesional skin of 8 women, we could demonstrate gram-positive bacteria in the pilosebaceous duct, and a mild perifollicular lymphocytic infiltrate was seen. In all but 1 patient, Propionibacterium acnes was yielded from cultured biopsy specimens taken from follicular lesional skin. Healthy follicular skin did not show bacteria in histological sections, and cultures did not yield anaerobic bacteria.
CONCLUSIONS
There seems to be a relation between the presence of P acnes and the hypopigmented macules. We propose that a factor is produced by these strains of P acnes, which interfere with melanogenesis. Based on these observations, we are undertaking a clinical trial to find a treatment for this troubling, intractable disease.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Disease Progression; Female; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections; Hair Follicle; Humans; Hypopigmentation; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Propionibacterium acnes; Sebaceous Glands; Skin; Skin Diseases, Bacterial
PubMed: 14967796
DOI: 10.1001/archderm.140.2.210 -
The Journal of Infection Aug 2007Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) can present a diagnostic challenge, especially with slow-growing and poorly virulent bacteria.
BACKGROUND
Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) can present a diagnostic challenge, especially with slow-growing and poorly virulent bacteria.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the epidemiological, clinical and biological characteristics of Propionibacterium acnes PJI, their treatments and outcomes and compare 2 clinical pictures (according to the time PJI symptoms appeared after the index operation: < or = 2 years, > 2 years).
METHODS
We conducted a cohort study on P. acnes PJI. Diagnosis was based on > or = 2 positive cultures of intraoperative specimens taken during revision arthroplasties for infection or presumed aseptic loosening.
RESULTS
Fifty patients with prosthetic hip (34), knee (10) or shoulder (6) infections were included and analyzed according to their symptom-free interval: < or = 2 years for 35 and > 2 years for 15 (mean interval: 11+/-6 years). The numbers of previous prostheses (p=0.04) were higher for the shorter-interval group, which had more frequent signs of infection (p=0.004). These findings suggest infection in most of the patients whose PJI symptoms appeared: < or = 2 years after the index operation, and colonization in the majority of those whose symptoms appeared > 2 years after index surgery. Treatment combining exchange arthroplasty with prolonged intravenous antibiotics was successful for 92% of the patients.
CONCLUSION
P. acnes can cause different types of PJI: late chronic infections, colonization of loosened prostheses and, exceptionally, acute postoperative infections.
Topics: Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cohort Studies; Female; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections; Humans; Intraoperative Care; Joint Prosthesis; Male; Propionibacterium acnes; Reoperation; Risk Factors
PubMed: 17418419
DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2007.02.006 -
The British Journal of Dermatology May 2015
Topics: Bacterial Typing Techniques; Humans; Propionibacterium acnes
PubMed: 25963204
DOI: 10.1111/bjd.13771 -
Anaerobe Oct 2017Cutibacterium (Propionibacterium) acnes is assumed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of acne. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Cutibacterium (Propionibacterium) acnes is assumed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of acne.
OBJECTIVES
To examine if clones with distinct virulence properties are associated with acne.
METHODS
Multiple C. acnes isolates from follicles and surface skin of patients with moderate to severe acne and healthy controls were characterized by multilocus sequence typing. To determine if CC18 isolates from acne patients differ from those of controls in the possession of virulence genes or lack of genes conducive to a harmonious coexistence the full genomes of dominating CC18 follicular clones from six patients and five controls were sequenced.
RESULTS
Individuals carried one to ten clones simultaneously. The dominating C. acnes clones in follicles from acne patients were exclusively from the phylogenetic clade I-1a and all belonged to clonal complex CC18 with the exception of one patient dominated by the worldwide-disseminated and often antibiotic resistant clone ST3. The clonal composition of healthy follicles showed a more heterogeneous pattern with follicles dominated by clones representing the phylogenetic clades I-1a, I-1b, I-2 and II. Comparison of follicular CC18 gene contents, allelic versions of putative virulence genes and their promoter regions, and 54 variable-length intragenic and inter-genic homopolymeric tracts showed extensive conservation and no difference associated with the clinical origin of isolates.
CONCLUSIONS
The study supports that C. acnes strains from clonal complex CC18 and the often antibiotic resistant clone ST3 are associated with acne and suggests that susceptibility of the host rather than differences within these clones may determine the clinical outcome of colonization.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adolescent; Adult; Female; Genetic Variation; Genotype; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Male; Multilocus Sequence Typing; Propionibacterium acnes; Skin; Virulence Factors; Whole Genome Sequencing; Young Adult
PubMed: 28434779
DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2017.04.006 -
Acta Dermato-venereologica Jan 2016Propionibacterium acnes is an important member of the skin microbiome. The bacterium can initiate signalling events and changes in cellular properties in keratinocytes....
Propionibacterium acnes is an important member of the skin microbiome. The bacterium can initiate signalling events and changes in cellular properties in keratinocytes. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of the bacterium on an immortalized human keratinocyte cell line. The results show that various P. acnes strains affect the cell-growth properties of these cells differentially, inducing cytotoxicity in a strain-specific and dose-dependent manner. We propose that bacterially secreted propionic acid may contribute to the cytotoxic effect. This acid has a role in maintaining skin pH and exhibits antimicrobial properties, but may also have deleterious effects when the local concentration rises due to excessive bacterial growth and metabolism. These results, together with available data from the literature, may provide insight into the dual role of P. acnes in healthy skin and during pathogenic conditions, as well as the key molecules involved in these functions.
Topics: Bacterial Load; Cell Line; Cell Proliferation; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Keratinocytes; Propionates; Propionibacterium acnes; Time Factors
PubMed: 26039371
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-2154 -
Research in Microbiology 2017Progress in next-generation sequencing technologies has facilitated investigations into microbial dynamics. An important bacterium in the dairy industry is...
Progress in next-generation sequencing technologies has facilitated investigations into microbial dynamics. An important bacterium in the dairy industry is Propionibacterium freudenreichii, which is exploited to manufacture Swiss cheeses. A healthy culture of these bacteria ensures a consistent cheese with formed 'eyes' and pleasant flavour profile, and the investigation of prophages and their interactions with these bacteria could assist in the maintenance of the standard of this food product. Two bacteriophages, termed PFR1 and PFR2, were chemically induced using mitomycin C from two different dairy strains of P. freudenreichii. Both phages have identical genomes; however, PFR2 was found to contain an insertion sequence, IS204. Host range characterisation showed that PFR1 was able to form plaques on a wild type Propionibacterium acnes strain, whereas PFR2 could not. The lytic plaques observed on P. acnes were a result of PFR1 inducing the lytic cycle of a pseudolysogenic phage in P. acnes. Further investigation revealed that both PFR1 and PFR2 could infect P. acnes but not replicate. This study demonstrates the dynamic interactions between phages, which may alter their lytic capacity under certain conditions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of two phages interacting to kill their host.
Topics: Bacteriolysis; Cheese; Genome, Viral; Host Specificity; Lysogeny; Microbial Interactions; Mitomycin; Prophages; Propionibacterium; Propionibacterium acnes
PubMed: 27639668
DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2016.09.004 -
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology Mar 2014Propionibacterium acnes is a ubiquitous skin commensal bacterium, which is normally well tolerated by the immune system in healthy human skin. However, there is... (Review)
Review
Propionibacterium acnes is a ubiquitous skin commensal bacterium, which is normally well tolerated by the immune system in healthy human skin. However, there is increasing evidence to suggest a pivotal role for P. acnes in the inflammatory process underlying the acne pathogenesis. With its features of inflammation and pustulation, acne vulgaris resembles the skin's normal reaction to bacterial pathogens. P. acnes flourishes when sebum production increases in the follicles. Bacteria may undergo behavioural changes based on the surrounding bacterial population, a process called quorum sensing (QS). Evidence from in vitro studies suggests that QS enables P. acnes to upregulate its hydrolysis of sebum triglycerides by its bacterial lipases, secreting free fatty acids (FFAs) such as oleic, palmitic and lauric acids. These FFAs act as danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and activate Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4, leading to selective T-helper (Th)-driven immunity, with subsequent expression of Th1/Th17-associated inflammatory cytokines. To our knowledge, there is currently no explanation as to what determines the shift of recognition by the immune system of P. acnes from being symbiotic to pathogenic. We present a novel hypothesis based on the essence of QS and DAMPs. P. acnes sends no or only 'safety' signals when present in 'controlled' quantities under commensal conditions, but becomes pathogenic and sends 'danger' signals via QS in the form of excess FFA production, which stimulates TLR2 and TLR4 as the bacterial population flourishes.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Cytokines; Humans; Propionibacterium acnes; Quorum Sensing; Signal Transduction; Toll-Like Receptors
PubMed: 24524558
DOI: 10.1111/ced.12252 -
Anaerobe Aug 2012Propionibacterium acnes have been recognized as one of the main causative agents in pathogenesis of acne. Twenty one isolates of P. acnes isolated from acne lesions were...
Propionibacterium acnes have been recognized as one of the main causative agents in pathogenesis of acne. Twenty one isolates of P. acnes isolated from acne lesions were screened for lipase and protease activity which are reported to be associated in acne and inflammation. Interestingly, all P. acnes isolates demonstrated lipase activity. Similarly, 90% of test P. acnes produced protease enzyme. Antibacterial activity of the ethanol extract of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk. leaves and rhodomyrtone, its principle compound were tested against P. acnes using broth macrodilution method. The MIC(90) values of the ethanol extract and rhodomyrtone were 32 and 0.5 μg/mL, respectively. The numbers of the bacterial cells were reduced at least 99% after treatment with the ethanol extract and rhodomyrtone within 72 and 24 h, respectively. Cytotoxicity test of the extract and rhodomyrtone was performed on human normal fibroblast. The IC(50) values of the ethanol extract and rhodomyrtone were 476 and more than 200 μg/mL, approximately 15 and 400 folds higher than the MIC(90) values indicating that both substances were very low cytotoxic which could be applied as topical therapeutic anti-acne agents.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacterial Load; Fibroblasts; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Myrtaceae; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Propionibacterium acnes; Toxicity Tests; Xanthones
PubMed: 22626672
DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2012.05.003 -
Journal of Photochemistry and... Jan 2020In our recent study, we showed that pulsed blue light (PBL) suppresses the growth of Propionibacterium acnes more than continuous wave (CW) blue light in vitro, but it...
In our recent study, we showed that pulsed blue light (PBL) suppresses the growth of Propionibacterium acnes more than continuous wave (CW) blue light in vitro, but it is not known that other bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), respond similarly to PBL. The high potency of PBL relative to CW blue light makes it a suitable antimicrobial for suppressing bacterial growth in biofilms as well. Therefore, we determined if MRSA-a deadly bacterium of global concern-is susceptible to 450 nm PBL irradiation in vitro, and ascertained whether the bactericidal effect of PBL on planktonic P. acnes culture can be replicated in biofilms of P. acnes and MRSA. In three series of experiments, we irradiated P. acnes and MRSA respectively, either in planktonic cultures, forming biofilms or formed biofilms. Compared to controls, the results showed 100% bacterial suppression in planktonic cultures of MRSA irradiated with 3 mW/cm irradiance and 7.6 J/cm radiant exposure three times at 30-minute intervals, and also in P. acnes cultures irradiated with 2 mW/cm irradiance 5 J/cm radiant exposure thrice daily during each of 3 days. Irradiation of biofilms with the same irradiances and radiant exposures that gave 100% bacterial suppression in planktonic cultures resulted in disruption and disassembly of the architecture of MRSA and P. acnes biofilms, more so in forming biofilms than formed biofilms. The antimicrobial effect on each bacterium was minimal in forming biofilms, and even less in formed biofilms. Increasing radiant exposure slightly from 7.6 J/cm to 10.8 J/cm without changing any other parameter, yielded more disruption of the biofilm and fewer live MRSA and P. acnes, suggesting that 100% bacterial suppression is possible with further refinement of the protocol. In both planktonic cultures and biofilms, PBL suppressed MRSA more than P. acnes.
Topics: Biofilms; Disk Diffusion Antimicrobial Tests; Light; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Propionibacterium acnes; Thermodynamics
PubMed: 31760372
DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2019.111702