Sampling and detection of skin Propionibacterium acnes: Current status

A connection between acne vulgaris and Propionibacterium acnes has long been suggested. Over the years, several human skin microbiota sampling methods have been evolved and applied, e.g. swab, scrape, extraction techniques including cyanoacrylate gel sampling as well as punch biopsy. Collected samples have been processed following various methodologies ranging from culture studies to probe labelling and molecular analysis. Direct visualization techniques have recently shown the existence of anatomically distinct skin P. acnes populations: epidermal and follicular. P. acnes biofilms appear to be a common phenomenon. Current sampling approaches target different skin populations of P. acnes and the presence of microbial biofilms can influence the retrieval of P. acnes. The anatomical considerations must be taken into account while interpreting microbiological data.

► Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory disorder of the skin. ► Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) may contribute to inflammation. ► Skin P. acnes is sampled with swab, scrape, cyanoacrylate gel, and biopsy. ► Sampling is followed by subsequent culture, PCR or direct visualization. ► Different techniques target anatomically diverse P. acnes populations in the skin.