Gram-positive, rod shaped, slow-growing, nonsporeforming, anaerobic bacteria.
Unique metabolism: able to synthesize propionic acid by using unusual transcarboxylase enzymes.
Flora: primarily facultative parasites and commensals of humans and other animals, living in and around the sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and other areas of the skin.
Usually innocuous, however, have been implicated in acne and other skin conditions.
Species include:
P. acnes;
P. avidum;
P. cyclohexanicum;
P. freudenreichii;
P. granulosum;
P. jensenii;
P. microaerophilum;
P. propionicum
Therapy:
Important considerations: The choice of an agent should be based on local antimicrobial sensitivities, site of infection, cost, and comorbid conditions. Generally, the most common agents/regimens are listed first. Listed dosages may need to be adjusted for renal dysfunction. Propionibacterium strains are usually highly susceptible to penicillins, clindamycin, cephalosporins, and carbapenems .
