The Secrets of the Acne Bacteria Revealed
Scientists recently sequenced the whole genome of the bacteria that causes acne Propionibacterium acnes and has found many genes that potentially can cause diseases of the skin. Many factors are involved in acne including erratic hormone levels in teenagers combined with the presence of this bacteria. The role of Propionibacterium acnes in acne has been largely a matter of speculation with the general idea that a large number of these bacteria could trigger an immune response and inflammation that causes acne.
The data that has emerged from this recent study shows that this bacteria can produce proteins that actually cause the acne. During the study scientists identify genes that code for enzymes that can break down human skin. The large amount of enzymes that can be accused by this bacteria can lead to degradation of skin and there are also proteins present in bacteria that can trigger immune responses.
For more information see Acne bug’s nasty secrets spotted