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Antimicrobial susceptibility of Propionibacterium acnes isolates from acne patients in Colombia
Natalia Mendoza1, Paul O Hernandez, Stephen K Tyring
1Center for Clinical Studies, Houston, TX 77030, USA. natyt99@yahoo.com
Background:
The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Propionibacterium acnes poses a significant challenge to successful treatment outcomes in acne patients. Although P. acnes resistance has been demonstrated throughout the world, no previous data regarding the antimicrobial susceptibility of P. acnes in Colombia are available.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of P. acnes to common antibiotics used in the treatment of acne in a Colombian population.
Methods:
Samples were collected from facial acne lesions of 100 dermatology patients. All samples were cultured in anaerobic conditions, and final identification of isolates was performed. Isolates of P. acnes were then subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests using erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline.
Results:
Propionibacterium acnes isolates resistant to erythromycin (35%), clindamycin (15%), doxycycline (9%), tetracycline (8%), and minocycline (1%) were observed. Isolates with cross-resistance were also observed (to erythromycin and clindamycin [12%] and to doxycycline and tetracycline [6%]). Overall, 46% of isolates taken from patients with a history of antibiotic use demonstrated resistance, whereas 29% of isolates taken from patients who had never used antibiotics demonstrated resistance.
Conclusions:
Antimicrobial resistance in P. acnes in this Colombian population has a lower prevalence than those reported in Europe and follows a similar pattern to findings elsewhere in Latin America. Resistance is demonstrated even in isolates from patients with no previous history of antibiotic use. Resistance to erythromycin is most commonly observed. Minocycline emerges as the most effective antibiotic.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance in Propionibacterium acnes is a growing concern for acne treatment. This study found lower resistance rates in Colombia compared to Europe, with minocycline being the most effective antibiotic.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance in Propionibacterium acnes is a significant global challenge for acne treatment.
- Limited data exists on P. acnes antimicrobial susceptibility in Colombia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of P. acnes in a Colombian population.
- To assess resistance patterns to commonly used acne antibiotics.
Main Methods:
- Collected samples from facial acne lesions of 100 patients.
- Cultured P. acnes isolates under anaerobic conditions.
- Performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing for erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline.
Main Results:
- Observed resistance rates: erythromycin (35%), clindamycin (15%), doxycycline (9%), tetracycline (8%), minocycline (1%).
- Identified cross-resistance to erythromycin/clindamycin (12%) and doxycycline/tetracycline (6%).
- 46% of isolates from patients with prior antibiotic use showed resistance, compared to 29% from antibiotic-naïve patients.
Conclusions:
- P. acnes antimicrobial resistance in Colombia is less prevalent than in Europe, similar to other Latin American findings.
- Resistance is present even in patients without prior antibiotic exposure.
- Erythromycin resistance is most common; minocycline demonstrates the highest efficacy.
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