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 Scientists
recently completed the genome sequence for Propionibacterium acnes
(P. acne), revealing thousands of genes that give acne bacterium
the ability to cause skin disease. A common disfiguring problem,
acne affects more than 80 percent of teens in the United States.
Before this discovery, scientists assumed a large number of bacteria
present in the skin would trigger the common symptoms--inflammation
and immune response--of acne. New data shows P. acne, once believed
to be harmless, can produce proteins that actively produce a disease
like acne. Researchers found some 2,300 genes in P. acne, along
with some including enzymes that can break down human skin.
The process of sequencing the genome showed how these bacteria
degrade skin tissue because of massive amounts of these enzymes
as well as proteins that trigger an immune response, scientists
said.
Because this genome can be a pathogen also implies a threat to
public health from contaminated blood. The concern: Researchers
in previous studies have found the presence of P. acnes in donated
blood (from improper sterilization or skin flaking). One expert
believes the slow-growing nature of P. acnes in blood would prevent
such contamination from being a serious threat, although the potential
exists.
Understanding P. acnes, researchers said, could likely help scientists
develop new treatments for acne, because many strains have become
resistant to common antibiotics.
New
Scientist July 29, 2004
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