Cutibacterium (ex.Propionibacterium) species
Paul Auwaerter, M.D.
MICROBIOLOGY
MICROBIOLOGY
MICROBIOLOGY
- Previously termed Propionibacterium
- Major human pathogens: There are many species, but generally, the two below represent the majority of isolates. They are members of the Proprionibacteriaeceae.
- Cutibacterium acnes
- Cutibacterium avidum (less common)
- A Gram-positive pleomorphic rod that grows best anaerobically [Fig].
- Usually inhabits human skin, sebaceous glands, nasopharynx, and GI/GU tracts.
- Generally sensitive to beta-lactams and resistant to aminoglycosides.
- Slow growth, often >5-6d.
- The reclassification of Propionibacterium species, as described initially, is due to the bacteria producing propionic acid as a fermentation product. Bacteria are seen in various conditions, including cheeses (Swiss), ruminants, stomachs, and human skin. Based on 16s ribosomal analysis, this is now divided into the following:
- Acidipropionibacterium gen. nov.
- Cutibacterium gen. nov.
- Pseudopropionibacterium gen. nov.
- Propionibacterium (amended description of the genus)
- Fun Fact: P. freudenreichii is responsible for flavor and characteristic holes during Swiss cheese manufacture.
- C. acnes antimicrobial resistance:
- Information is mainly gleaned from isolates in refractory cases of acne vulgaris, so the correlation with the much less common systemic or deep infections is unclear.
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