Which organism proliferates during the development of acne?

Which organism proliferates during the development of acne?

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

Answer: (A)

Acne development is driven by colonization of the blocked hair follicles by Propionibacterium acnes in the sebaceous, low-oxygen environment. This anaerobic bacterium thrives in the oily milieu of the plugged pore, multiplying and releasing inflammatory substances that recruit immune cells, leading to the characteristic inflammatory papules, pustules, and nodules. Hormonal changes in adolescence increase sebum production, which fuels both bacterial growth and inflammation. Other organisms listed are associated with different skin infections or body sites and do not drive acne lesions.

Acne development is driven by colonization of the blocked hair follicles by Propionibacterium acnes in the sebaceous, low-oxygen environment. This anaerobic bacterium thrives in the oily milieu of the plugged pore, multiplying and releasing inflammatory substances that recruit immune cells, leading to the characteristic inflammatory papules, pustules, and nodules. Hormonal changes in adolescence increase sebum production, which fuels both bacterial growth and inflammation. Other organisms listed are associated with different skin infections or body sites and do not drive acne lesions.