[The resistance of Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis to cyclines. The Research and Study Group on Acne].

BACKGROUND

A rising percentage of tetracycline-resistant Propionibacterium acnes strains has been reported in the English literature.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We studied a population of 16 patients with acne who had been treated with oral tetracyclines during the preceding year. A bacteriological examination of a skin biopsy was obtained in all patients to determine aerobic and anaerobic flora as wells as resistance to tetracycline and minocycline.

RESULTS

Staphylococcus epidermidis strains were frequently resistant to tetracycline (87.5%) as well as minocycline (30%). Tetracycline-resistant Propionibacterium acnes were also observed (7%). Inversely, we were unable to evidence any minocycline-resistant Propionibacterium acnes strains.

CONCLUSION

These findings emphasize the importance of determining whether therapeutic response is related or not to the presence of resistant strains.