Surgical wound infections due to Propionibacterium acnes: a study of 10 cases

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Surgical Infections

Background:

• Surgical wound infections pose a significant clinical challenge.
• Identifying the causative agent is crucial for effective treatment.
• Propionibacterium acnes is a less common but potential pathogen in surgical sites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review cases of surgical wound infection potentially caused by Propionibacterium acnes.
• To highlight the role of P. acnes in post-neurosurgical infections.
• To evaluate treatment outcomes for these infections.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of ten surgical wound infection cases.
• Analysis of microbiological data, focusing on Propionibacterium acnes isolation.
• Correlation of clinical presentation, procedures, and treatment responses.

Main Results:

• Propionibacterium acnes was implicated as the likely cause in ten surgical wound infections.
• The organism was isolated in pure culture in five cases.
• Infection onset averaged 17.5 days post-surgery (range 1-30 days).
• Six patients had undergone neurosurgical procedures.
• All patients achieved cure through surgical drainage and antimicrobial therapy (nine cases).

Conclusions:

• Propionibacterium acnes should be considered a potential cause of surgical wound infections.
• Neurosurgery appears to be a significant risk factor for P. acnes surgical site infections.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management ensure favorable patient outcomes.