Which organism proliferates and increases in number during acne development?

Which organism proliferates and increases in number during acne development?

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

Answer: (A)

Acne arises when the follicle becomes clogged and creates a low-oxygen, lipid-rich environment that allows a skin-dwelling bacterium to multiply. This organism is Propionibacterium acnes, a lipophilic anaerobe that normally resides on the skin but thrives inside blocked hair follicles rich in sebum. As it proliferates, its lipase activity breaks down sebum into free fatty acids and other inflammatory products, which irritate the follicular walls and attract inflammatory cells, leading to the papules, pustules, and nodules characteristic of acne. Puberty’s surge in sebum production amplifies this environment, promoting more bacterial growth. The other organisms listed aren’t the primary drivers of acne. They can cause different skin infections or folliculitis but don’t proliferate in pilosebaceous units to drive acne’s typical inflammatory process.

Acne arises when the follicle becomes clogged and creates a low-oxygen, lipid-rich environment that allows a skin-dwelling bacterium to multiply. This organism is Propionibacterium acnes, a lipophilic anaerobe that normally resides on the skin but thrives inside blocked hair follicles rich in sebum. As it proliferates, its lipase activity breaks down sebum into free fatty acids and other inflammatory products, which irritate the follicular walls and attract inflammatory cells, leading to the papules, pustules, and nodules characteristic of acne. Puberty’s surge in sebum production amplifies this environment, promoting more bacterial growth.

The other organisms listed aren’t the primary drivers of acne. They can cause different skin infections or folliculitis but don’t proliferate in pilosebaceous units to drive acne’s typical inflammatory process.