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01-06-2016 | Review Article

Overview: the role of Propionibacterium acnes in nonpyogenic intervertebral discs

Authors: Zhe Chen, Peng Cao, Zezhu Zhou, Ye Yuan, Yucheng Jiao, Yuehuan Zheng

Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 6/2016

Abstract

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), an important opportunistic anaerobic Gram-positive bacterium, causes bone and joint infections, discitis and spondylodiscitis. Accumulated evidence suggested that this microbe can colonise inside intervertebral discs without causing symptoms of discitis. Epidemiological investigation shows that the prevalence ranges from 13 % to 44 %. Furthermore, colonisation by P. acnes inside nonpyogenic intervertebral discs is thought to be one pathogen causing sciatica, Modic changes and nonspecific low back pain. Specially, patients can attain significant relief of low back pain, amelioration of Modic changes and alleviation of sciatica after antibiotic therapy, indicating the role of P. acnes in these pathological changes. However, until now, there were hypotheses only to explain problems such as how P. acnes access intervertebral discs and what the exact pathological mechanism it employs during its latent infection period. In addition, research regarding diagnostic procedures and treatment strategies were also rare. Overall, the prevalence and possible pathological role that P. acnes plays inside nonpyogenic intervertebral discs is summarised in this paper.

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Title: Overview: the role of Propionibacterium acnes in nonpyogenic intervertebral discs
Authors: Zhe Chen
Peng Cao
Zezhu Zhou
Ye Yuan
Yucheng Jiao
Yuehuan Zheng
Publication date: 01-06-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Orthopaedics / Issue 6/2016
Print ISSN: 0341-2695
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5195
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-016-3115-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Overview: the role of Propionibacterium acnes in nonpyogenic intervertebral discs

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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