Propionibacterium acnes: interaction with complement and development of an enzyme-linked immunoassay for the detection of antibody.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the immune response to Propionibacterium acnes in acne patients.


METHODS
Comparison of serologic responses in acne and normal patients using counterimmunoelectrophoresis for antibody and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody.


METHODS
The serum of acne and nonacne patients from the Dermatology Clinic at the Medical College of Ohio was utilized for analysis.


RESULTS
Using counterimmunoelectrophoresis, antibody was detected in 13 of 20 acne patients. The antigen was detectable as an anion in the barbital buffer at pH 8.2, strongly suggesting a carbohydrate component. By ELISA, the antibody proved to be IgG, and the bacteria and its water-soluble fractions were capable of fixing complement.


CONCLUSIONS
The primary instigator of inflammation in acne vulgaris is an immunologic reaction to extracellular products of P. acnes. The immunologic response involves both humoral and cell-mediated pathways. The antibodies to P. acnes have not been characterized fully, although they are largely of the IgG class. We have further characterized the dominant antigen to have a carbohydrate component.
Burkhart
C G
CG
Department of Medicine, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, USA.
Cantrill
J
J
Butcher
C L
CL
Lehmann
P F
PF
D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D012157:Mononuclear Phagocyte System / Q000276:immunology; D011425:Propionibacterium acnes / Q000276:immunology*
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D003165:Complement System Proteins