Acne bug 'could be the cause of infections'

Washington, Jan 12 (ANI): A new study has said that P. acnes already within the body may be the cause of infections.

The researchers insisted that people diagnosed incorrectly may go on to develop complications of their infection if the wrong bug is the target for treatment, so it is important that infection with P.acnes not be ignored.

"It is important to recognise that this organism has the ability to grow slowly inside our body cells as well as on the surface of medical devices in the body," said Professor Peter Lambert, expert in P.acnes infection from Aston University.

It has long been associated with common acne, where it contributes to the inflammation and pain. Recent studies show that it might also be involved in other important conditions such as prostate cancer."

He will present the study results at the Society for Applied Microbiology Winter Meeting 2011: "Propionibacterium acnes: an emerging pathogen." (ANI)