Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Propionibacterium Acnes

Propionibacterium acnes is a live bacterial vaccine that stimulates immune responses against the causative organism of acne vulgaris.

Propionibacterium acnes is a live bacterial vaccine that stimulates immune responses against the causative organism of acne vulgaris. Used for Acne vulgaris.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

This is an immunotherapeutic approach using attenuated or whole Propionibacterium acnes bacteria to trigger both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses against the pathogenic strain. By priming the immune system to recognize and eliminate P. acnes, the vaccine aims to reduce bacterial colonization and associated inflammation in acne lesions. The mechanism leverages the body's adaptive immunity rather than direct antimicrobial action.

Approved indications

• Acne vulgaris

Common side effects

• Local injection site reactions
• Mild systemic inflammation

Key clinical trials

• the PHENOSAR Trial: Use of Antibiotics in Treatment of Sarcoidosis (NA)
• Cutibacterium Acnes: Triple Prevention in Shoulder Operations (NA)
• Acne Face Wash for Reducing the Contamination Rate in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery (NA)
• Do Wound Protectors Reduce Contamination in Total Shoulder Arthroplasty? (NA)
• The Role of Cutibacterium Acnes in the Development of Degenerative Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Disease
• Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Skin Colonization With Propionibacterium Acnes in Primary Open Shoulder Surgery (NA)
• Post-incision Antimicrobial Wash vs C. Acnes in Shoulder Arthroplasty (NA)
• Optimization of Skin Preparation to Reduce Cutibacterium Acnes Colonization in Superficial and Deep Samples During Prosthetic Shoulder Surgery in Male Patients (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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