A pilot study on bacterial viability in acne. Assessment using dual flow cytometry on microbials present in follicular casts and comedones.
BACKGROUND
Antibiotic therapy is one of the main methods of acne treatment, however, bacterial resistance is on the rise and can affect the treatment outcome. Quantitative bacteriologic cultures are the gold standard methodology for the assessment of such a problem; however, certain important biological aspects remain uncovered.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare the antibacterial activity of minocycline and lymecycline in sebaceous follicle infundibula and comedones of acne patients.


METHODS
We used a recently introduced flow cytometric method, allowing a distinction to be made between viable, injured (presumably resistant), and dead microorganisms.


RESULTS
Minocycline (100 mg) proved to be superior to lymecycline (600 mg) in abating the microflora harboring in the sebaceous follicles of acne patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The dissimilar bioavailability and antimicrobial efficacy between the two bacteriostatic agents may impart different clinical efficacy.
Arrese
J E
JE
Department of Dermatopathology, University of Liège, Belgium.
Goffin
V
V
Avila-Camacho
M
M
Greimers
R
R
Piérard
G E
GE
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology*; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D008194:Lymecycline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008911:Minocycline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D008194:Lymecycline; D008911:Minocycline