Propionibacterium acnes and SAPHO syndrome: a case report and literature review

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2007 May-Jun;25(3):457-60.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the presence of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) in a series of patients with SAPHO syndrome in which a bone biopsy has been carried out and to discuss the results comparing them to the data described in the literature.

Methods: In 6 out of 56 patients with SAPHO syndrome, a bone biopsy from osteitic lesion was carried out. This invasive investigation was performed only in those cases in which it was necessary to clarify the diagnosis.

Results: Of the 6 biopsies processed, P. acnes was isolated in only one case. No other infectious agents were identified.

Conclusion: P. acnes is not often found in bone lesions of SAPHO syndrome. A bone biopsy may represent a procedure useful for corroborating the diagnosis or for excluding other diseases only in specific cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Hyperostosis Syndrome / microbiology*
  • Acquired Hyperostosis Syndrome / pathology
  • Biopsy
  • Female
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / diagnosis
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / pathology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteitis / microbiology
  • Osteitis / pathology
  • Propionibacterium acnes / isolation & purification
  • Propionibacterium acnes / pathogenicity*
  • Sternum / microbiology
  • Sternum / pathology