title: Propionibacterium acnesSusceptibility and Correlation with Hemolytic Phenotype.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many studies have noted an increase in the number of recognized cases of invasive infections due toPropionibacterium acnes, especially after shoulder replacement surgery. The increase in the number of recognized cases ofP. acnes, a nonspore-forming, anaerobic, Gram-positive organism, appears due to both an increase in the number of shoulder operations being performed and more specimens being sent for anaerobic cultures. Nevertheless, the optimal surgical and antibiotic management ofP. acnesremains controversial.
  
  
  METHODS
  We tested the susceptibility of 106P. acnesstrains from sterile body sites collected at the Erie County Medical Center between 2012 and 2015, using Etest gradient antibiotic strips.
  
  
  RESULTS
  P. acnesis very susceptible to the penicillins and the first-generation cephalosporins. We noted an association between hemolytic phenotype on Brucella Blood Agar and clindamycin resistance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Antimicrobial susceptibility testing ofP. acnesshould no longer just be confined to the research laboratory but expanded and incorporated into routine microbiological evaluation ofP. acnes. This would improve patient care as well as help clarify the relationship between hemolysis and clindamycin resistance.
authors: Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University at Buffalo, NY, USA.
authors: Travis E
authors: TE
authors: Wright
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
authors: K Keely
authors: KK
authors: Boyle
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
authors: Thomas R
authors: TR
authors: Duquin
authors: Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University at Buffalo, NY, USA.
authors: John K
authors: JK
authors: Crane
keywords: clindamycin; hemolysin; penicillin G; sarcoidosis