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Propionibacterium propionicum and infections of the lacrimal apparatus

J S Brazier1, V Hall

  • 1Anaerobe Reference Unit, University Hospital of Wales, Health Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom.

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|November 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Propionibacterium propionicum frequently causes lacrimal apparatus infections, particularly canaliculitis, in adult females. This study highlights its prevalence over Actinomyces species in these specific eye infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Propionibacterium propionicum is an anaerobe.
  • Infections of the lacrimal apparatus are often referred to as ocular actinomycosis.
  • The causative agent of ocular actinomycosis is often misidentified.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the clinical details of Propionibacterium propionicum infections.
  • To determine the association of P. propionicum with lacrimal apparatus infections.
  • To compare the prevalence of P. propionicum with Actinomyces species in these infections.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 26 referred isolates of P. propionicum.
  • Review of clinical details, patient demographics (sex, age), and infection sites.
  • Statistical analysis to determine correlations and significance.

Main Results:

  • P. propionicum was the significant pathogen in 18 (69%) of 26 cases.
  • The majority of P. propionicum isolates were from canaliculitis cases.
  • A significant correlation was found between P. propionicum canaliculitis and female patients (88%).
  • Infections were more common in older individuals (mean age 61.6 years).
  • No referred isolates were identified as Actinomyces species.

Conclusions:

  • P. propionicum is a common cause of lacrimal apparatus infections, especially canaliculitis.
  • Female patients, particularly in later life, are more susceptible to P. propionicum-related lacrimal infections.
  • P. propionicum is more frequently implicated in these infections than true Actinomyces species.

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