Which bacterium proliferates in acne vulgaris?

Which bacterium proliferates in acne vulgaris?

• A. Escherichia coli
• B. Propionibacterium acnes
• C. Staphylococcus aureus
• D. Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Answer: (B)

Propionibacterium acnes (now often called Cutibacterium acnes) thrives in the lipid-rich, relatively anaerobic environment of the blocked pilosebaceous unit that develops during adolescence. This bacterium metabolizes sebum triglycerides into free fatty acids, which irritate the follicle walls and provoke an inflammatory response, leading to the papules and pustules of acne. Other bacteria listed, like E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are not the primary drivers of acne and are associated with different infections or colonization patterns.

Propionibacterium acnes (now often called Cutibacterium acnes) thrives in the lipid-rich, relatively anaerobic environment of the blocked pilosebaceous unit that develops during adolescence. This bacterium metabolizes sebum triglycerides into free fatty acids, which irritate the follicle walls and provoke an inflammatory response, leading to the papules and pustules of acne. Other bacteria listed, like E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are not the primary drivers of acne and are associated with different infections or colonization patterns.