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J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2019 Apr 16. Epub 2019 Apr 16.

From the Division of Shoulder and Elbow, Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI.

The use of shoulder arthroplasty is continuing to expand. Periprosthetic joint infection of the shoulder is a devastating complication occurring in approximately 1% of cases. The most common organisms responsible for the infection are Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) (∼39%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (∼29%). Read More

Clin Orthop Relat Res 2019 Apr 3. Epub 2019 Apr 3.

N. U. Ecker, A. Koniker, T. Gehrke, A. Zahar, M. Citak, Helios ENDO-Klinik Hamburg, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hamburg, Germany A. Koniker, J. Salber, Ruhr-University Bochum, Department of General Surgery, Bochum, Germany M. Hentschke, MVZ Labor Dr. Fenner und Kollegen, Hamburg, Germany.

Background: The diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is challenging, especially in patients with Cutibacterium (formerly Propionibacterium) acnes infection. Despite the increasing number of patients with PJI of the shoulder, there are still no robust data regarding diagnostic tests in detecting shoulder PJI.

Questions/purposes: (1) What are the sensitivity, specificity, and negative- and positive-predictive values for the alpha-defensin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test in detecting PJI after TSA? (2) What are the diagnostic accuracies in detecting shoulder PJI for synovial alpha-defensin, leukocyte esterase Test, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP)?

Methods: All patients with painful TSA, who underwent joint aspiration to validate or exclude a PJI, between July 2015 and February 2018 were enrolled in this single-center study. Read More

Molecules 2019 Apr 3;24(7). Epub 2019 Apr 3.

Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.

Phloretin is a natural chalcone with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the anti-acne activity of phloretin against -induced skin infection and the potential target proteins of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Phloretin potently inhibited the growth of and -induced Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2-mediated inflammatory signaling in human keratinocytes. Read More

Anaerobe 2019 Mar 26;57:59-62. Epub 2019 Mar 26.

Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden. Electronic address:

Identification of anaerobic bacteria causing blood stream infections (BSI) is challenging. This study describes the epidemiology of anaerobic BSI at a tertiary care hospital and the performance of a rapid method for identification of anaerobic bacteria from blood cultures over three years, between June 2015 and June 2018. Short-term culturing is a low-cost user-friendly method and may be used for rapid identification of bacteria from positive blood cultures by matrix-associated laser desorption ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF). Read More

Immunity 2019 Apr 27;50(4):1069-1083.e8. Epub 2019 Mar 27.

Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A(∗)STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Biopolis, Singapore 138648, Singapore; Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A(∗)STAR), 11 Mandalay Rd., Singapore 308232, Singapore. Electronic address:

Skin conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) exist as two distinct subsets, cDC1s and cDC2s, which maintain the balance of immunity to pathogens and tolerance to self and microbiota. Here, we examined the roles of dermal cDC1s and cDC2s during bacterial infection, notably Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Read More

J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2019 04 15;17(4):454-455. Epub 2019 Mar 15.

Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.

J Orthop Surg Res 2019 Mar 13;14(1):78. Epub 2019 Mar 13.

Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Berlin, Germany.

Background: Two-stage exchange arthroplasty is still the preferred treatment choice for chronic PJI. However, the results remain unpredictable. We analyzed the treatment success of patients with an infected hip prosthesis, who were treated according to a standardized algorithm with a multidisciplinary team approach and evaluated with a strict definition of failure. Read More

J Orthop Sci 2019 Mar 1. Epub 2019 Mar 1.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Aichi Medical University, Japan.

Background: Recently, Propionibacterium acnes was reported to be involved in postsurgical outcomes. We investigated the detection rate of P. acnes and clinical features of P. Read More

Respir Res 2019 Feb 28;20(1):46. Epub 2019 Feb 28.

Department of Internal Medicine V - Pulmonology, Allergology, Critical Care Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany.

Background: Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease of unknown etiology. The disease mechanisms are largely speculative and may include the role microbial patterns that initiate and drive an underlying immune process. The aim of this study was to characterize the microbiota of the lung of patients with sarcoidosis and compare its composition and diversity with the results from patients with other interstitial lung disease (ILD) and historic healthy controls. Read More

Rev Esp Cir Ortop Traumatol 2019 Feb 19. Epub 2019 Feb 19.

Unidad de Raquis, Servicio de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Getafe, Madrid, España.

Objective: To describe the characteristics and evolution of deep surgical site infection following thoracolumbar instrumented spinal surgery (DSITIS) in our centre over a period of ten years.

Material And Method: Descriptive retrospective study. Patient data (epidemiological/health status), surgical data, infection characteristics/presentation, isolated microorganisms, required surgical debridements, implant removal and major complications linked to infection were evaluated. Read More

Anaerobe 2019 Apr 19;56:91-94. Epub 2019 Feb 19.

Section of Microbiology, University Hospital of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Spain.

We describe the characteristics of 11 cases of skin and soft tissue infections due to Cutibacterium (formerly Propionibacterium) avidum. This microorganism should be considered a potential skin pathogen especially in patients with breast infections. The clinical outcome is usually good but serious infections such as necrotizing infections may occur. Read More

BMC Genomics 2019 Feb 18;20(1):146. Epub 2019 Feb 18.

Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, Canada.

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignant neoplasm among men in many countries. Since most precancerous and cancerous tissues show signs of inflammation, chronic bacterial prostatitis has been hypothesized to be a possible etiology. However, establishing a causal relationship between microbial inflammation and PCa requires a comprehensive analysis of the prostate microbiome. Read More

J Bone Jt Infect 2019 29;4(1):40-49. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

University of California San Francisco, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.

(formerly ) is a slow growing, gram-positive bacteria that is naturally found in higher concentrations as skin flora on the chest and back, as well as in other areas with greater numbers of hair follicles. Most of the reported cases of shoulder girdle infection follow arthroplasty surgery, which then often requires debridement, administration of intravenous antibiotics, and surgical revision of the implanted device. In a recent study, 56% of 193 shoulder revisions had a positive culture, 70% of which grew . Read More

J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2019 Jan 31. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

Department of Orthopedics, Horsens Regional Hospital, Horsens, Denmark.

Background: Shoulder periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) caused by low-virulent bacteria pose a diagnostic challenge. Combined labeled leukocyte (WBC) and technetium 99m sulfur colloid bone marrow imaging (WBC/BM) is considered the radionuclide imaging gold standard for diagnosing lower limb PJI. However, it is laborious and expensive to perform, and documentation on shoulder arthroplasties is lacking. Read More

Eur Spine J 2019 Feb 2. Epub 2019 Feb 2.

Spine Department, Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Chariteplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.

Purpose: C-reactive protein (CRP) has been shown to be a powerful parameter for detecting acute postoperative spinal implant infections (PSII) with a high sensitivity and specificity. However, little data are available on the performance of CRP in the diagnosis of delayed PSII. The aim of the current study was therefore to establish cutoff values for diagnosing delayed infection based on serum CRP. Read More

J Urol 2019 Jan 31:101097JU0000000000000102. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

Department of Urology, Section of Female Pelvic and Reconstructive Surgery, Mayo Clinic , Rochester , Minnesota.

Purpose: We evaluated the rate of bacterial colonization in artificial urinary sphincters during revision surgery for noninfectious etiologies.

Materials And Methods: We evaluated bacterial culture swab data on all explanted artificial urinary sphincter components (cuff, pump and reservoir) in patients who underwent revision surgery between February 2016 and July 2018. Those treated with revision for infection or erosion were excluded from study. Read More

J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2019 May 24;28(5):839-846. Epub 2019 Jan 24.

Bacteriology and Infection Control Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Nantes, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France; Center for Research in Cancerology and Immunology, Univervité de Nantes, Unit 1232, Nantes, France.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the presence of Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) on the skin and in deep tissue in a real clinical scenario of primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods: This prospective study included 90 primary reverse shoulder arthroplasties, and 12 cultures were obtained from each patient. Each sample was homogenized and used to inoculate PolyVitex (bioMérieux, Marcy-l'Etoile, France) agar and Schaedler (bioMérieux) agar plates. Read More

Int Orthop 2019 Jan 18. Epub 2019 Jan 18.

Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Frankfurt am Main, Friedberger Landstr. 430, 60389, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Introduction: There is no gold standard for performing a two-stage exchange arthroplasty to treat periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The use of spacers and the anchorage principles of the revision prosthesis remain controversial. Herein, we report the success rate of a two-stage total hip replacement procedure without using a spacer and only pressfit cementless implants. Read More

Eur Spine J 2019 Apr 17;28(4):768-774. Epub 2019 Jan 17.

Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Chariteplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.

Purpose: In total joint replacement, culturing of the sonication fluid of removed implants has proven to be more sensitive than conventional periprosthetic tissue culture for the microbiological diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection. However, its role in postoperative spinal implant infection (PSII) is not well investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the validity of sonication in detecting infection following instrumented spine surgery. Read More

Mucosal Immunol 2019 03 15;12(2):434-444. Epub 2019 Jan 15.

Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.

Newborns are highly susceptible to pathogenic infections with significant worldwide morbidity possibly due to an immature immune system. Recently, we reported that Propionibacterium strain, P. UF1, isolated from the gut microbiota of preterm infants, induced the differentiation of bacteria-specific Th17 cells. Read More

Diabetes Metab Syndr 2019 Jan - Feb;13(1):414-418. Epub 2018 Oct 13.

Former Professor of Endocrinology and Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Ex-Director, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Former Dean, Faculty of Medicine, J.N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India; Consultant, Diabetes and Superspeciality Center, Central Tower Ground Floor, Kela Nagar Chauraha, Aligarh, 202002, India.

Diabetes Mellitus is characterized as a hyperglycemic condition, which results due to alteration in the secretion of insulin or action of insulin. The development and spread of microorganisms is known as a key health concern, and such cases are growing drastically in hospitals and communities. Therefore, the study aims to determine the potential risk factors and infection outcomes among diabetic patients with multi drug resistance, who are suffering from foot ulcerations. Read More

Molecules 2019 Jan 9;24(2). Epub 2019 Jan 9.

Research Centre skinitial, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.

Acne is associated with hyperkeratosis, elevated levels of skin sebum and growth of () and (). Furthermore, promotes inflammation by inducing IL-6 production and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial potential of a hop-CO₂-extract with 50% humulone and lupulone. Read More

F1000Res 2018 19;7. Epub 2018 Dec 19.

Department of Dermatology, Andreas Syggros Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.

The skin commensal , recently renamed , along with the other major pathophysiological factors of increased seborrhea, hyperkeratinization of the pilosebaceous unit, and inflammation, has long been implicated in the pathogenesis of acne. Recent advances have contributed to our understanding of the role of in acne. Although there are no quantitative differences in of the skin of patients with acne compared with controls, the phylogenic groups display distinct genetic and phenotypic characteristics, biofilms are more frequent in acne, and different phylotypes may induce distinct immune responses in acne. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 Dec 24. Epub 2018 Dec 24.

Department of Neurological Surgery, University Medical Center Mainz, Germany.

Osteonecrosis of bone flaps after cranioplasty with autologeous cryo-conserved bone flaps is a common phenomenon. The exact reason for it remains unknown. We present a case of a 67-year old patient who had a bone flap necrosis after elective craniotomy and underwent secondary cranioplasty. Read More

Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019 Jan 23;509(1):322-328. Epub 2018 Dec 23.

Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea. Electronic address:

Propionibacterium acnes is an anaerobic gram-positive bacterium found in the niche of the sebaceous glands in the human skin, and is a causal pathogen of inflammatory skin diseases as well as periprosthetic joint infection. To gain effective control of P. acnes, a deeper understanding of the cellular metabolism mechanism involved in its ability to reside in this unique environment is needed. Read More

BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2018 Dec 20;19(1):445. Epub 2018 Dec 20.

Orthopedic Center, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, Suzhou, 215000, China.

Background: The existence of latent low-virulence anaerobic bacteria in degenerated intervertebral discs (IVDs) remains controversial. In this study, the prevalence of low-virulence anaerobic bacteria in degenerated IVDs was examined, and the correlation between bacterial infection and clinical symptoms was analysed.

Methods: Eighty patients with disc herniation who underwent discectomy were included in this study. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2018 Nov 28;11(1). Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, Utah, USA.

In September 2015, a male aged 61 years with poorly controlled diabetes (his only medical problem) had left shoulder surgery that included an arthroscopic acromioplasty with debridement of suture material from a rotator cuff repair done 10 years prior. A subacromial corticosteroid injection was given 7 months later for pain and reduced motion. Three weeks later a fulminate infection was evident. Read More

J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2019 Jan;28(1):1-8

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Institute-Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Background: Serum and synovial markers used to diagnose lower extremity prosthetic joint infection (PJI) have performed poorly for shoulder PJI. As a result, diagnosis is commonly reliant on the accuracy of positive or negative cultures. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) can sequence an entire bacterial genome. Read More

Nat Commun 2018 12 12;9(1):5075. Epub 2018 Dec 12.

Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK.

Acne vulgaris is a highly heritable common, chronic inflammatory disease of the skin for which five genetic risk loci have so far been identified. Here, we perform a genome-wide association study of 3823 cases and 16,144 controls followed by meta-analysis with summary statistics from a previous study, with a total sample size of 26,722. We identify 20 independent association signals at 15 risk loci, 12 of which have not been previously implicated in the disease. Read More

Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2019 Mar 11;9(1):19-31. Epub 2018 Dec 11.

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.

Acne vulgaris is the most common dermatological disorder worldwide. It is a multifactorial disease that involves increased sebum production, hyperkeratinization of the pilosebaceous unit, Propionibacterium acnes (Cutibacterium acnes) colonization, and inflammation. The human skin microbiome hosts a wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Read More

Microbiol Resour Announc 2018 Jul 19;7(2). Epub 2018 Jul 19.

Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary.

Propionibacterium acnes, a non-spore-forming anaerobic Gram-positive bacterium, has been linked to a wide range of opportunistic human infections and conditions, most notably acne vulgaris. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of P. acnes subsp. Read More

J Bone Jt Infect 2018 24;3(5):255-257. Epub 2018 Nov 24.

Service de Bactériologie-Hygiène hospitalière, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France.

After rifampin and levofloxacin treatment for a bone infection, a pyogenic granuloma due to a newly described species, developed on the tibia former external fixator. This rifampin resistant bacterium, selected during treatment, harbored a mutation in the gene. This case illustrates the possible selection of resistant mutant most likely due to the bacterial burden and therefore the importance of adequate bone infection treatment. Read More

PLoS One 2018 6;13(12):e0208171. Epub 2018 Dec 6.

Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disorder affecting the respiratory, digestive, reproductive systems and sweat glands. This lethal hereditary disease has known or suspected links to the dysbiosis gut microbiota. High-throughput meta-omics-based approaches may assist in unveiling this complex network of symbiosis modifications. Read More

Eur Spine J 2019 Apr 1;28(4):783-791. Epub 2018 Dec 1.

Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.

Purpose: The presence of Propionibacterium acnes in a substantial component of resected disc specimens obtained from patients undergoing discectomy or microdiscectomy has led to the suggestion that this prominent human skin and oral commensal may exacerbate the pathology of degenerative disc disease. This hypothesis, therefore, raises the exciting possibility that antibiotics could play an important role in treating this debilitating condition. To date, however, little information about antibiotic penetration into the intervertebral disc is available. Read More

Avian Pathol 2019 Apr 20;48(2):111-120. Epub 2018 Dec 20.

a Department of Veterinary Sciences , University of Torino , Grugliasco , Italy.

Macrorhabdus ornithogaster is an opportunistic yeast that colonizes the gastric mucosa of many avian species. Until now, no studies have focused on the influence of a gastric infection on the balance of the intestinal microbiota of birds. In this study, 44 faecal samples from individual canaries, with and without M. Read More

PLoS One 2018 29;13(11):e0208144. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.

Most patients with chronic lower back pain (CLBP) exhibit degenerative disc disease. Disc specimens obtained during initial therapeutic discectomies are often infected/colonized with Propionibacterium acnes, a Gram-positive commensal of the human skin. Although pain associated with infection is typically ascribed to the body's inflammatory response, the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus was recently observed to directly activate nociceptors by secreting pore-forming α-hemolysins that disrupt neuronal cell membranes. Read More

J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2018 Nov 13. Epub 2018 Nov 13.

From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Dr. Klement, Dr. Cunningham, Dr. Wooster, Dr. Wellman, Dr. Bolognesi), Duke University Medical Center, and the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (Dr. Green), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, and Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL (Dr. Garrigues).

Introduction: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication of hip and knee arthroplasties. Surgical cultures are essential for the diagnosis and treatment of PJI. Yet, the ideal culture duration remains unclear. Read More

Bone Joint J 2018 Nov;100-B(11):1482-1486

Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of C-reactive protein (CRP)-negative prosthetic joint infection (PJI) and evaluate the influence of the type of infecting organism on the CRP level.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective analysis of all PJIs affecting the hip or knee that were diagnosed in our institution between March 2013 and December 2016 was performed. A total of 215 patients were included. Read More

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2019 Apr 7;139(4):451-459. Epub 2018 Nov 7.

Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Cantonal Hospital Winterthur, Brauerstrasse 15, P.O. Box 834, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland.

Introduction: Knitted cotton outer gloves offer protection against surgical glove perforation and provide improved grip on instruments. These gloves absorb blood and other fluids during surgery, and may therefore also accumulate contaminating bacteria. To date, there is no published data on microbial contamination of such gloves during surgery. Read More

Biomed Res Int 2018 14;2018:8509527. Epub 2018 Oct 14.

Surgical Sciences Department, Mauriziano-Umberto I Hospital, University of Torino, 10128 Turin, Italy.

Preoperative skin preparation plays a major role in preventing postoperative infections. This study aims to compare a single skin preparation (povidone iodine) with a double skin preparation (chlorhexidine gluconate followed by povidone iodine). Forty patients affected by proximal humeral fracture were included in the study. Read More

J Mol Med (Berl) 2019 Jan 6;97(1):25-35. Epub 2018 Nov 6.

Department of Orthopedics, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.

Latent infection of Propionibacterium acnes was considered as a new pathogeny for low back pain (LBP); however, there is no credible animal evidence or mechanism hypothesis. This study proved that P. acnes is a causative pathogen of bacteria-induced LBP and investigated its underlying mechanism. Read More

PLoS One 2018 5;13(11):e0207016. Epub 2018 Nov 5.

Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology, Institute of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.

Objective: We investigated the association between bacterial microbiota in breast milk and the infant mouth. The influence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection on infant oral microbiota was also assessed.

Material And Methods: Altogether 35 breast milk and 35 infant oral samples with known HPV status were selected from the Finnish Family HPV Study cohort. Read More

Eur J Pediatr 2019 Jan 15;178(1):89-95. Epub 2018 Oct 15.

Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.

Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) and SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis) syndrome are auto-inflammatory disorders manifesting as chronic inflammation of bones and joints, which in SAPHO is often accompanying by skin changes. The aetiology of these diseases is unknown, but includes genetic, infectious and immunological components. It has been proposed that Cutibacterium (formerly Propionibacterium) acnes plays a role in the pathogenesis. Read More

ANZ J Surg 2018 Nov 8;88(11):1182-1186. Epub 2018 Oct 8.

Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.

Background: Traditional skin preparation for shoulder surgery is not specific for Propionibacterium acnes. Topical benzoyl peroxide for 48 h preoperatively has been shown to reduce the bacterial load of P. acnes on the skin. Read More

J Photochem Photobiol B 2018 Dec 26;189:21-28. Epub 2018 Sep 26.

Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan. Electronic address:

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is an opportunistic infection in human skin that causes acne vulgaris. Antibiotic agents provide the effective eradication of microbes until the development of drug-resistant microbes. Read More

Int J Med Microbiol 2018 Dec 22;308(8):1027-1035. Epub 2018 Sep 22.

Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Humboldtstraße 50, A-8010, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed, Graz, Austria. Electronic address:

The Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium Cutibacterium acnes is a commensal of the human skin, but also an opportunistic pathogen that contributes to the pathophysiology of the skin disease acne vulgaris. Moreover, C. acnes, in addition to other skin-colonizing bacteria such as S. Read More

Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2018 Sep 25. Epub 2018 Sep 25.

Department of Traumatology and Orthopedic Surgery, Cologne-Merheim Medical Center (CMMC), University Witten-Herdecke (UWH), Ostmerheimerstr. 200, 51109, Cologne, Germany.

Purpose: There are several hints that bacterial colonization might be an often overseen cause of non-union. Modern procedures like PCR have been reported to diagnose bacterial colonization with a high degree of accuracy. While PCR is not ubiquitously available, we hypothesize that biopsies from the non-union site are comparable to PCR results reported in the literature. Read More

J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2019 Feb;27(4):136-144

From the Department of Orthopaedics (Dr. Boyle, Mr. Wright, and Dr. Duquin), State University of New York at Buffalo, the Department of Microbiology and Immunology (Dr. Crane), State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, and the Division of Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY (Dr. Nodzo).

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to further evaluate the pathogenicity of hemolytic and nonhemolytic phenotypes of Propionibacterium acnes (P acnes) isolates from shoulders of orthopaedic patients.

Methods: Thirty-one patient records were reviewed, which had a positive P acnes shoulder culture from joint aspiration fluid and/or intraoperative tissues for demographics, clinical course, culture, and laboratory data. Patients were categorized as definite infection, probable infection, or probable contaminant. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2018 Sep 21;2018. Epub 2018 Sep 21.

Department of Internal Medicine, McLaren Regional Medical Center, Flint, Michigan, USA.

A 64-year-old woman with a medical history of morbid obesity, chronic hepatitis C, essential hypertension, multiple episodes of abdominal cellulitis, diabetes mellitus type 2 on insulin, intravenous and subcutaneous drug abuse presented to the emergency department complaining of left lower chest pain for 6 weeks along with multiple episodes of vomiting. Initial laboratory data revealed leucocytosis of 17 200×10/μL with left shift. She reported multiple episodes of fever spikes. Read More

ANZ J Surg 2018 Nov 21;88(11):1178-1181. Epub 2018 Sep 21.

Department of Upper Limb, Melbourne Orthopaedic Group, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Background: Propionibacterium acnes may be transmitted from the subdermal tissues to the deeper tissues during shoulder arthroplasty surgery, resulting in deep infection. The aim of this prospective, clinical study was to determine whether the use of a wound protector drape can lower the incidence of P. acnes in the wound during shoulder arthroplasty surgery. Read More