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Optimization of genotypic and biochemical methods to profile P. acnes isolates from a patient population

Rubén Cebrián1, Sergio Arévalo1, Salvador Arias-Santiago2

  • 1Microbiology Department, Faculty of Sciences, C/Fuentenueva s/n. University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.

Journal of Microbiological Methods
|July 23, 2017
PubMed

Insights

This study identifies two main types of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) using genetic and biochemical methods. One type is linked to acne and infections, while the other is normal skin bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is implicated in acne vulgaris pathogenesis and medical device infections.
  • Accurate identification and typing of P. acnes strains are crucial for understanding their role in human health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To validate a rapid and safe method for identifying and typing 24 clinical P. acnes isolates.
  • To investigate the pathogenic potential of different P. acnes types and their association with human health.

Main Methods:

  • Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA-PCR (RAPD-PCR) for genetic clustering.
  • Biotyping based on sugar fermentation patterns.
  • Multiplex touchdown PCR for phylogroup and subgroup analysis.

Main Results:

  • RAPD-PCR identified two clusters corresponding to phylogroups I and II (P. acnes subsp. acnes subsp. nov.).
  • Biotyping revealed that most acne and opportunistic infection isolates belonged to biotype I-B3, subgroup IA1.
  • Phylogroup II isolates were associated with normal cutaneous microbiota.

Conclusions:

  • Distinct P. acnes types can be identified using a combination of genetic and biochemical methods.
  • P. acnes strains associated with acne and infections differ from those found as normal skin flora.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between antibiotic susceptibility and P. acnes virulence.
Keywords:
BiotypesMolecular typingPhylotypesRandom amplification of polymorphic DNAResistance antibiotics

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