Cytotaxin production by comedonal bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes, Propionibacterium granulosum and Staphylococcus epidermidis).

The potential role of different species of comedonal bacteria as chemotactic stimuli in the inflammatory phase of acne vulgaris was investigated by comparing 12 strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis, 11 strains of Propionibacterium acnes, and 5 strains of P. granulosum for production of cytotaxin in vitro. Results indicated that not only were there marked differences in cytotaxin production between different strains of the same species grown under identical growth conditons, but there were often significant differences in cytotaxin activity of the same strain grown in different media. This finding is discussed in relation to development of inflammation in quiescent comedones in acne vulgaris.