Fine Structure of Corynebacterium Acnes

Differentiation of two groups of Corynebacterium acnes.

One hundred and forty-three strains of Corynebacterium acnes, isolated from human skin and acne lesions, were compared with three strains of Propionibacterium acnes from the American Type Culture Collection. The 146 organisms could be separated into two groups. Members of the larger group (129 strains) hydrolyzed gelatin and usually produced indole, Gel-In(+), but were unable to ferment trehalo...

The Taxonomic Position of Corynebacterium acnes.

Tetracycline inhibition of a lipase from Corynebacterium acnes.

A lipase which hydrolyzes triglycerides (tricaprylin and trilaurin) and naphthyl laurate was obtained from the broth of Corynebacterium acnes cultures by ammonium sulfate fractionation. Ca(2+) and sodium taurocholate stimulated activity of the enzyme. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) did not inhibit activity of the Ca(2+)-activated enzyme, but lipolytic activity was inhibited by EDTA in t...

Cultural characteristics and fatty acid composition of Corynebacterium acnes.

A detailed study of the cultural characteristics and cellular fatty acid composition of 27 isolates of Corynebacterium acnes was performed to establish the properties by which this organism may be identified and characterized. The fatty acids were extracted directly from whole cells and examined as methyl esters by gas-liquid chromatography. Each strain possessed a similar fatty acid profile wh...

Effect of Corynebacterium acnes on interferon production in mice.

Exposure to Corynebacterium acnes, the most prominent member of our normal skin flora, produces stimulation of lymphoid tissue and certain reticuloendothelial system functions, as well as the immune response. Alteration of the host response is extended by these studies to include changes in the pattern of interferon production in response to a representative group of inducing agents. Serum inte...