Pseudopropionibacterium propionicum

(Previously Propionibacterium propionicum)

Gram Stain

  • Gram positive pleomorphic bacilli (anaerobic)

Clinical Significance

This organism is part of normal skin, oral, and gastrointestinal flora. 

It can cause actinomycosis-like disease and has been associated with lacrimal canaliculitis, osteomyelitis, endodontic infections, chronic mastoiditis, and cervico-facial actinomycosis.

P. propionicum has been found in abscesses of the lung, brain, psoas, and kidneys.

It is a strict anaerobe.

 

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

This organism is generally susceptible to penicillin and vancomycin.

Clindamycin susceptibility is variable.

Susceptibility to other antibiotics has not been well studied as this organism has been reclassified. 

 

Empiric Therapy
Penicillin