Propionibacterium Acnes

P. acnes is a gram-positive bacterium that is close to many a teenagers heart. Its primary pathogenic outlet is acne. It often gets a bad rep because it does not cause the acne itself: it just allows more pathogenic bacteria to enter the pore. This bacterium is affected by benzoyl peroxide, which is available over the counter. It is interesting to note that it is killed by ultraviolet light, much like other bacteria. The most interesting study to data about P. Acnes was released by Alexeyev et al in the October 2007 edition of J. Clin. Micro. P. Acnes antibodies are higher in levels with men who are suspected of having prostate cancer but have a negative biopsy. There are other links to the genitourinary tract. Testing algorithm: (indole + indicates tryptophan splitting, nitrate hydrolysis unknown). Indole positive Nitrate hydrolysis Since it can be found almost anywhere where skin products are available, it has also been implicated in uncommon infections. It is the leading cause of pacemaker endocarditis. Its main medical implication involves its role in post-operative eye infections. Antibiotic susceptibility has been tested; 16 common antibiotics are effective against this strain. However, there has been some evidence of tetracycline resistance