Skin microbiology of severe acne
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Metagenomic and culture-based characterisation of Propionibacterium acnes communities in patients with severe recalcitrant papulopustular and nodular acne.
IRAS ID
231787
Contact name
Andrew McDowell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ulster University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
A bacterium known as Propionibacterium acnes is believed to play a very important role in the development of the common skin condition acne. The widespread and prolonged use of oral and topical antibiotics to treat this condition has now led to the emergence of P. acnes ‘super-bug’ strains that are multi-resistant to such drugs. Even more alarming has been the observation that some patients who cannot be effectively managed with first line antibiotics are also less responsive to alternate drugs, known as oral retinoids, that are subsequently prescribed to try and bring their acne under control. Despite these serious problems, our knowledge of the underlying skin microbiology of severe / resistant forms of acne is poor. Characterisation of P. acnes strains and skin microbiome associated with severe, refractory acne is therefore vital so we can identify new, multi-drug resistant forms that may be circulating within the population and associated with devastating forms of the condition. Such a study may also provide valuable information for the development of a new generation of tests that can be used for personalized approaches to treatment and management of acne patients.
Against such a background, this three year study, which is part of a PhD project, will use cutting edge genetic techniques, alongside traditional culture methods, to map the P. acnes types and other bacterial organisms colonising the skin surface of patients with the most severe forms of acne that are recalcitrant to antibiotic therapy, including those patients who are less responsive to treatment with oral retinoid drugs. The study will also investigate novel, non-antibiotic-based, approaches to treatment and create a biobank and database of multi-drug resistant P. acnes strains associated with treatment-resistant acne for dissemination to researchers worldwide. The work will be based at both NHS and University sites.
REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
19/WA/0110
Date of REC Opinion
16 May 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion