Publication

Abstract : Background: Cutibacterium (formerly Propioniobacterium) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris which is treated by widespread and long-term use of both topical and systemic antibiotics. This has led to the emergence of drug resistance in Cutibacterium species. The study aimed to study the microbial spectrum and antibiogram of Cutibacterium spp. Materials & Methods: A total of 623 samples were collected from 506 patients of acne vulgaris and processed anaerobically. Species identification was confirmed by API system. Antibiotic susceptibility and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were determined by Epsilometer Test for erythromycin, clindamycin and tetracycline in phase 1 followed by Azithromycin, Clindamycin, Doxycycline and Minocycline in phase 2. MIC was interpreted as per EUCAST guidelines. Results: Cutibacterium spp. were isolated from 158 samples, of which the most common species was C. granulosum (80/158) followed by C. acnes , C. avidum and Pseudopropionibacterium propionicum. In initial phase, 88% (67/76) showed resistance to any one of the drug. With maximum resistance to erythromycin 69.7% followed by clindamycin 15.7% and tetracycline 2.6%. In later phase, MIC of Azithromycin, Clindamycin, Doxycycline and Minocycline were determined and 12/54 isolates (22.22%) were resistant to atleast one of the antibiotics. Resistance to Azithromycin and Clindamycin 18.51% was higher as compared to Minocycline and Doxycycline 1.85% Conclusions: Awareness of expanding spectrum and increased risk of antibiotic resistance in Cutibacterium species is advisable for the successful treatment of acne vulgaris and to combat the emergence of the resistant strain.