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Susceptibility profiles of Propionibacterium acnes isolated from patients with acne vulgaris

Ioanna Grech1

  • 1Department of Aesthetics and Cosmetology, School for Professions of Health and Welfare, Technological Educational Institute of Athens, Greece; 4th Department of Internal Medicine, University of Athens, Medical School, Greece.

Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance
|November 23, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotic resistance in Propionibacterium acnes is a growing concern for acne vulgaris treatment. Past use of macrolides or clindamycin significantly increases resistance, suggesting alternative treatments like tetracyclines or amoxicillin.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Widespread antibiotic use for acne vulgaris raises concerns about antibiotic-resistant Propionibacterium acnes.
  • Understanding susceptibility profiles is crucial for effective acne treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Propionibacterium acnes isolates from acne vulgaris patients.
  • To identify host factors associated with the acquisition of antibiotic-resistant P. acnes.

Main Methods:

  • Collected sebum samples from 191 acne vulgaris patients to isolate 90 P. acnes strains.
  • Determined susceptibility to amoxicillin, minocycline, erythromycin, and clindamycin using the Etest method.

Main Results:

  • 37.8% of isolates were resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin; 4.4% were resistant to all four tested antibiotics.
  • High minimum inhibitory concentrations (>256μg/mL) were observed for resistant isolates.
  • Previous oral macrolide or clindamycin treatment within 2 years was independently associated with resistant P. acnes acquisition (OR=5.573, P=0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Past macrolide or clindamycin exposure necessitates avoiding these antibiotics for acne treatment.
  • Tetracyclines and amoxicillin are recommended alternatives for patients with a history of macrolide/clindamycin use.
  • For patients without prior exposure, macrolides and clindamycin can be safely prescribed.
Keywords:
Acne vulgarisAntibiotic resistancePropionibacterium acnes

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