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Deep Dermal Injection As a Model of Candida albicans Skin Infection for Histological Analyses
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Genomics of Invasive Cutibacterium acnes Isolates from Deep-Seated Infections
Anna Both1, Jiabin Huang1, Moritz Hentschke2
1Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Microbiology Spectrum
|March 28, 2023
Summary
Cutibacterium acnes can cause deep infections, but specific genetic factors are not strongly linked to invasiveness. Clinical context, not just bacterial traits, is key to identifying significant infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) is a common skin commensal.
- It can cause serious deep-seated infections, particularly with medical implants.
- Understanding C. acnes pathogenicity factors is crucial for differentiating infection from contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic basis of Cutibacterium acnes infection.
- To identify specific phylotypes or genetic markers associated with deep-seated infections.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of 86 infection-associated and 103 commensal C. acnes isolates.
- Genotyping and genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify infection-associated loci.
Main Results:
- C. acnes subsp. acnes IA1 was more prevalent in infection isolates (OR=1.98).
- C. acnes subsp. acnes IB was more prevalent in commensal isolates (OR=0.5).
- No specific genetic loci showed a strong association with infection risk in the ORF-GWAS.
Conclusions:
- All C. acnes subspecies, except possibly subsp. elongatum, can cause deep infections under favorable conditions (e.g., presence of foreign material).
- Genetic content has a limited role in infection establishment; clinical context is paramount.
- Functional studies are needed to elucidate specific pathogenicity factors.
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