Propionibacterium Persists in the Skin Despite Standard Surgical Preparation

• DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.m.01474
• Publication Date: 2014-09-03T18:41:34Z
• Authors: Michael J. Lee; Paul S. Pottinger; Susan Butler-Wu; Roger E. Bumgarner; Stacy M. Russ; Frederick A. Matsen
• Keywords: Propionibacterium Acnes; Propionibacterium; Persistence (discontinuity); Human skin; Isopropyl alcohol

Propionibacterium acnes, which normally resides in the skin, is known to play a role surgical site infection orthopaedic surgery. Studies have suggested persistence of propionibacteria on skin surface, with rates positive cultures ranging from 7% 29% after preparation. However, as organisms reside dermal layer, these studies may underestimate true prevalence We hypothesized that, preparation, viable remains dermis at much higher rate than previously reported.Ten healthy male volunteers underwent preparation upper back ChloraPrep (2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 70% isopropyl alcohol). Two 3-mm punch biopsy specimens were obtained through prepared specifically cultured for P. acnes.Seven had findings The average time was 6.78 days.This study found that persists tissue even surface ChloraPrep. substantially reported.Propionibacteria are increasingly discussed having an association infection, implant failure, degenerative disease. This confirms possibility layer be source bacteria.