A novel multilocus sequence typing scheme for the opportunistic pathogen Propionibacterium acnes and characterization of type I cell surface-associated antigens

Abstract

We have developed a novel multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme and database (http://pubmlst. org/pacnes/) for Propionibacterium acnes based on the analysis of seven core housekeeping genes. The scheme, which was validated against previously described antibody, single locus and random amplification of polymorphic DNA typing methods, displayed excellent resolution and differentiated 123 isolates into 37 sequence types (STs). An overall clonal population structure was detected with six eBURST groups representing the major clades I, II and III, along with two singletons. Two highly successful and global clonal lineages, ST6 (type IA) and ST10 (type IB 1 ), representing 64 % of this current MLST isolate collection were identified. The ST6 clone and closely related single locus variants, which comprise a large clonal complex CC6, dominated isolates from patients with acne, and were also significantly associated with ophthalmic infections. Our data therefore support an association between acne and P. acnes strains from the type IA cluster and highlight the role of a widely disseminated clonal genotype in this condition. Characterization of type I cell surface-associated antigens that are not detected in ST10 or strains of type II and III identified two dermatan-sulphate-binding proteins with putative phase/antigenic variation signatures. We propose that the expression of these proteins by type IA organisms contributes to their role in the pathophysiology of acne and helps explain the recurrent nature of the disease. The MLST scheme and database described in this study should provide a valuable platform for future epidemiological and evolutionary studies of P. acnes.

Characterisation of Cutibacterium acnes phylotypes in acne and in vivo exploratory evaluation of Myrtacine®

“…The presence of the clade IA in healthy controls and acne patients was demonstrated in several studies, [19][20][21][22] as well as its dominance in acne patients. [23][24][25] While analysing the dominant phylotypes of C. acnes in 63 patients with mild to severe acne, Paugam et al 26 also observed that phylotypes IA1 and IA2…”

“…

AbstractObjective Our main objective was to compare Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) skin colonisation in patients with mild to moderate acne versus healthy controls and secondly, to evaluate a Myrtacine â -based cream on C. acnes total population and antibioresistant Cutibacteria in patients with acne.Methods In 60 acne patients (Global Acne Severity Scale, GEA grades 2-3), of mean age 20 [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] Results We first showed (i) high and similar levels of C. acnes colonisation in superficial pilosebaceous follicles and detection of EryR and ClnR strains in both acne and control groups; (ii) different repartition of phylotypes in acne patients versus healthy control, with a predominance of phylotype IA in acne patients and a link between phylotype IA and erythromycin resistance. Besides, after treatment with the Myrtacine â -based cream in acne patients, there was no change in C. acnes total load, but a significant decrease of EryR Cutibacteria, reduced porphyrin production by C. acnes, a decrease in acne severity (GEA), associated with reduced retentional and inflammatory lesions.

Conclusion Cutibacterium acnes colonisation was not significantly different in acne versus control groups.

…”

Draft Genome Sequence of an Antibiotic-Resistant Propionibacterium acnes Strain, PRP-38, from the Novel Type IC Cluster

“…The distinct nature of this group is further supported by phylogenetic analysis of whole-genome housekeeping gene sequences (8). All isolates within this group display resistance to antiacne antibiotics resulting from 16S (1058G¡C) and 23S rRNA (2058/2059A¡G) point mutations, display a dual reaction with anti-type IA and -type II monoclonal antibodies (11), express dermatan sulfatebinding proteins (10), are hemolytic, and do not ferment sorbitol. Based on their phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics and potentially important clinical relevance, we propose this group as type IC.…”

“…On the basis of our previously described multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme, PRP-38 is ST29 (10). Using an expanded eight-locus MLST scheme (A. McDowell, E. Barnard, I. Nagy, A. Gao, H. Li, S. Tomida, A. Eady, J. Cove, C. E. Nord, and S. Patrick, unpublished data), it is represented by ST70.…”

Multiplex Touchdown PCR for Rapid Typing of the Opportunistic Pathogen Propionibacterium acnes

“…The bacterium has an overall clonal structure, and its isolates can be classified into a number of statistically significant clades or phylogroups designated types IA 1 , IA 2 , IB, IC, II, and III; these types appear to display differences in their associations with specific types of infections (20,21) and vary in their production of putative virulence determinants (19,20,(29)(30)(31)(32), inflammatory potential (33)(34)(35)(36), antibiotic resistances (21,37), aggregative properties (16), and morphological characteristics (19). In particular, a number of independent epidemiological studies have shown a strong association between clonal complexes from the type IA 1 phylogroup and moderate-to-severe acne, while the lineages from all other phylogroups appear more frequently to be isolated from medical device and soft tissue infections or be associated with health as true commensals (20,21,31,38). Despite these associations, much uncertainty still exists regarding the exact clinical relevance of these phylogroups, particularly in the context of acne when skin sampling methods may not be optimal or appropriate (39), as well as the wider issue of whether isolates recovered from different clinical samples are truly representative of infection in all contexts or are simply skin contaminants/passive bystanders within a sample.…”