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Updated: Oct 17, 2025
Oral Bacterial Infection and Shedding in Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: May 31, 2018
In vivo model of Propionibacterium (Cutibacterium) spp. biofilm in Drosophila melanogaster
Vicky Bronnec1, Oleg A Alexeyev1
1Department of Pathology, Medical Biosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
Objectives:
Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit and Propionibacterium acnes biofilm-forming ability is believed to be a contributing factor to the disease development. In vivo models mimicking hair follicle environment are lacking. The aim of this study was to develop an in vivo Propionibacterium spp. biofilm model in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly).
Methods:
We created a sterile line of D. melanogaster able to sustain Propionibacterium spp. biofilms in the gut. In order to mimic the lipid-rich, anaerobic environment of the hair follicle, fruit flies were maintained on lipid-rich diet. Propionibacterium spp. biofilms were visualized by immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. We further tested if the biofilm-dispersal activity of DNase I can be demonstrated in the developed model.
Results:
We have demonstrated the feasibility of our in vivo model for development and study of P. acnes, P. granulosum and P. avidum biofilms. The model is suitable to evaluate dispersal as well as other agents against P. acnes biofilm.
Conclusions:
We report a novel in vivo model for studying Propionibacterium spp. biofilms. The model can be suitable for both mechanistic as well as interventional studies.
Insights
Researchers developed a novel fruit fly model to study Propionibacterium biofilms, crucial in acne development. This in vivo system allows for evaluating treatments targeting these bacterial communities.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Invertebrate models
Background:
- Acne vulgaris is linked to Propionibacterium acnes biofilms in pilosebaceous units.
- Existing in vivo models do not accurately mimic the hair follicle environment.
- Understanding biofilm formation is key to developing new acne treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a novel in vivo model for studying Propionibacterium spp. biofilms.
- To utilize Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) as a model organism.
- To investigate biofilm development in a controlled environment.
Main Methods:
- Created a sterile Drosophila melanogaster line capable of sustaining Propionibacterium spp. biofilms.
- Mimicked the hair follicle's lipid-rich, anaerobic conditions using a specialized diet.
- Visualized biofilms using immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy.
- Assessed the efficacy of DNase I in dispersing biofilms.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the Drosophila melanogaster model for Propionibacterium spp. biofilms (P. acnes, P. granulosum, P. avidum).
- Confirmed the model's suitability for evaluating biofilm dispersal agents.
- Showcased the model's utility in testing agents against P. acnes biofilms.
Conclusions:
- A novel in vivo model for studying Propionibacterium spp. biofilms has been developed.
- This fruit fly model is suitable for both mechanistic and interventional research on biofilms.
- The model offers a new platform for advancing acne vulgaris research.
