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Regional variations of cutaneous propionibacteria
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Propionibacteria, including Propionibacterium acnes, are common on human skin. Propionibacterium acnes dominates sebum-rich areas, while Propionibacterium avidum prefers moist regions, suggesting different ecological niches.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Human Microbiome
Background:
- Propionibacteria are common skin commensals.
- Understanding their distribution is key to skin health and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess the distribution of three Propionibacterium species (P. acnes, P. avidum, P. granulosum) across various human skin sites.
- To correlate bacterial presence with microenvironmental factors like moisture and sebum.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative sampling of skin sites in 50 young adults.
- Analysis of Propionibacteria populations in diverse microenvironments (scalp, face, groin, etc.).
Main Results:
- Propionibacteria are ubiquitous on the skin.
- P. acnes was the most prevalent species, particularly in sebaceous areas.
- P. granulosum was less dense but followed P. acnes distribution.
- P. avidum was primarily found in moist areas and the rectum.
Conclusions:
- Skin microenvironments significantly influence Propionibacteria distribution.
- P. acnes is dominant in sebum-rich skin areas.
- P. avidum may have an intestinal reservoir and prefers moist skin sites.