| Description | Propionibacterium acnes KPA171202 is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in a mesophilic temperature range, classified as a heterotroph and an obligate anaerobe. This microbe predominantly resides in human skin, particularly within sebaceous glands, but can also be found in other body sites, such as the gastrointestinal tract and in the oral cavity. Being Gram-positive, P. acnes has a thick peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall, which retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining process, giving it a distinctive purple hue under the microscope. The rod shape, or bacillus form, facilitates its colonization in various environments, especially in the oily microhabitats of human skin. Its mesophilic nature means it prefers moderate temperatures, typically around 30-37°C, which coincides with the normal temperature of human skin, enabling optimal growth and proliferation. As a heterotroph, P. acnes derives its energy from organic compounds, primarily the fatty acids present in sebum, the skin’s natural oil. Its classification as an obligate anaerobe indicates that it cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, thriving in the low-oxygen environments of hair follicles. This anaerobic lifestyle plays a crucial role in skin health; however, overgrowth can contribute to acne formation when the bacterium disrupts the skin's natural balance. In addition to its role in skin health, P. acnes is implicated in various skin conditions. This microbe is also being studied for potential beneficial applications, such as its role in the immune response and skin microbiome balance, suggesting that it may have a more complex relationship with human health than previously understood. |
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