Fermentation of Propionibacterium acnes, a Commensal Bacterium in the Human Skin Microbiome, as Skin Probiotics against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

Bacterial interference creates an ecological competition between commensal and pathogenic bacteria. Through fermentation of milk with gut-friendly bacteria, yogurt is an excellent aid to balance the bacteriological ecosystem in the human intestine. Here, we demonstrate that fermentation of glycerol with Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a skin commensal bacterium, can function as a skin probiotic for in vitro and in vivo growth suppression of USA300, the most prevalent community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA). We also promote the notion that inappropriate use of antibiotics may eliminate the skin commensals, making it more difficult to fight pathogen infection. This study warrants further investigation to better understand the role of fermentation of skin commensals in infectious disease and the importance of the human skin microbiome in skin health.

Pyrosequencing analysis of bacterial diversity in dental unit waterlines

“…The abundance may have to do with their release in waste-water through showers or toilets as far as we know, their susceptibility to conventional water treatments has been poorly documented. In addition, some Propionibacterium are used as probiotics in dairy produce for both animals and humans (Cousin et al, 2012;Shu et al, 2013), further increasing their presence in water.…”

The Role of the Skin Microbiome in Atopic Dermatitis

“…S. epidermidis can also target S. aureus through production of both the serine protease Esp and phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) that prevent S. aureus biofilm formation and growth, respectively [38,39]. Another common commensal bacteria on the skin, P. acnes, inhibits S. aureus growth as well [40]. Thus, commensal skin microbes can communicate with our skin in order to promote a stronger skin barrier and immune response, and have methods of their own to prevent invasion by pathogenic bacteria.…”

Microbial Ecology of the Skin in the Era of Metagenomics and Molecular Microbiology

“…Probiotics, live microorganisms or microorganism components that confer health benefits, have long been administered therapeutically and prophylactically to the gastrointestinal tract, even before their mechanism was known. Effective and safe probiotics for use on the skin is an area of active investigation with great promise (Muizzuddin et al 2012;Lew and Liong 2013;Shu et al 2013). For those skin diseases that may be influenced by the gut microbiota, there is evidence that probiotic intervention may provide benefit.…”