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Propionibacterium acnes types I and II represent phylogenetically distinct groups

Andrew McDowell1, Susanna Valanne, Gordon Ramage

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, School of Medicine, Queen's University, Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BN, United Kingdom.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|January 7, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) types I and II show distinct phylogenetic differences. Nucleotide sequencing accurately identifies P. acnes types, revealing potential further subdivisions within type I.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Two phenotypes of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), types I and II, are known, but their epidemiological roles in infections are understudied.
  • P. acnes is an opportunistic pathogen implicated in various infections, including prosthetic joint infections and acne.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of P. acnes types I and II in different clinical isolates.
  • To determine if phenotypic differences correlate with genotypic and phylogenetic distinctions.
  • To evaluate nucleotide sequencing as a method for P. acnes type identification.

Main Methods:

  • Immunofluorescence microscopy using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) QUBPa1 and QUBPa2 to differentiate P. acnes types I and II.
  • Analysis of 132 P. acnes isolates from various sources: prosthetic hip implants, bone, tissue, acne, dental infections, and surgical skin.
  • Phylogenetic analysis using nucleotide sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, recA, and a putative hemolysin gene (tly).

Main Results:

  • Isolates from prosthetic hip implants showed roughly equal proportions of type I and II.
  • Isolates from acne, dental infections, surgical skin, and bone/tissue samples were predominantly type I.
  • Nucleotide sequencing of recA and tly genes revealed type-specific polymorphisms, supporting distinct phylogenetic clusters for types I and II. Eleven atypical isolates were identified as type I by sequencing, with nine forming a distinct subcluster within type I.

Conclusions:

  • Phenotypic differences between P. acnes types I and II are underpinned by significant phylogenetic distinctions.
  • Nucleotide sequencing of recA and tly genes is a reliable method for P. acnes type identification and phylogenetic analysis.
  • Evidence suggests a further phylogenetic subdivision within P. acnes type I.

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