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Focal infections of the central nervous system due to Propionibacterium acnes
J Richards1, H R Ingham, J Hickman
1Department of Microbiology, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K.
The Journal of Infection
|May 1, 1989
Abstract:
Propionibacterium acnes as the single cause of intracranial infections has rarely been described. We present four patients in whom the infection arose as a result of a breach of skin tegument, and postulate that P. acnes is an under-recognised pathogen.
Insights
Propionibacterium acnes rarely causes intracranial infections. This study highlights four cases where skin breaches led to P. acnes infections, suggesting it is an under-recognized pathogen in neurosurgery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Intracranial infections are serious complications.
- Propionibacterium acnes is a common skin commensal.
- P. acnes is typically associated with superficial infections.
Observation:
- Four patients presented with intracranial infections.
- Infection etiology was linked to a breach in the skin barrier.
- Propionibacterium acnes was identified as the causative agent in all cases.
Findings:
- Propionibacterium acnes can be the sole causative agent of intracranial infections.
- Skin tegument integrity breach is a potential route for P. acnes CNS invasion.
- This challenges the perception of P. acnes as a non-pathogenic commensal in neurosurgical contexts.
Implications:
- P. acnes should be considered in the differential diagnosis of post-operative intracranial infections.
- Enhanced vigilance for P. acnes is warranted in neurosurgical patients with skin breaches.
- Further research is needed to understand P. acnes pathogenesis in CNS infections.