Sensitivity of Propionibacterium acnes towards Commercial Anti-Acne Formulations

Propionibacterium acnes are aerotolerant anaerobic, gram-positive bacilli that form part of normal flora. They produce several pro-inflammatory substances that can trigger an immune response in the host by an influx of inflammatory leukocytes into the strands, causing inflammatory lesions that leave behind scars. Repeated isolation of Propionibacterium acnes may reduce efficacy among the resistant types, clearly explaining Acne lesions' importance. The Counter acne therapies are often the first treatment choice due to the convenience of cost and time over clinical appointments. However, not all of the commercially available anti-acne formulations are supported by clinical studies. The present study was conducted to test the efficacy of selected commercial anti-acne gel formulations. The microscopic observation and biochemical studies conform to the presence of anti-acne activity. A sensitivity test was performed on all the isolates of Propionibacterium acnes by well diffusion technique. The selected over-the-counter anti-acne gel formulations failed to produce any inhibition zone.