Cutibacterium acnes and its complex host interaction in prosthetic joint infection: Current insights and future directions.

Cutibacterium acnes is a commensal Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium that can also act as an opportunistic pathogen in various diseases, particularly in prosthetic joint infections (PJI). Throughout this review, we delve into the current understanding of the intricate interactions between C. acnes and host cells and discuss bacterial persistence in the host. C. acnes colonization and subsequent PJI set-up represent complex processes involving bacterial adhesion, immune recognition, and host response mechanisms. We highlight existing knowledge and gaps in specific host-pathogen interactions and stress the importance of acquiring additional information to develop targeted strategies for preventing and treating C. acnes-related PIJ.