Analysis of Facial Skin-Resident Microbiota in Japanese Acne Patients

<b><i>Objectives:</i></b> We investigated the facial skin microbiota of Japanese acne patients. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Skin swab samples were obtained from 100 acne patients and 28 healthy controls to evaluate <i>Propionibacterium</i> and <i>Staphylococcus</i> spp. using a culture method. <i>Malassezia</i> spp. were evaluated using a nonculture method. Antibiotic resistance of <i>Propionibacterium </i>spp. was also examined. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Acne patients and controls did not show significant differences in <i>Propionibacterium</i> and <i>Staphylococcus</i> spp. populations. However, the number of <i>Malassezia globosa</i> from patients was greater than that from controls. Moreover, the number of <i>Propionibacterium </i>spp. from patients carrying antibiotic-resistant strains was significantly greater than that from patients not carrying them. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The present study characterized the facial skin microbiota of Japanese acne patients, suggesting a correlation between acne and quantitative differences in <i>Malassezia </i>microbiota. It was also found that the antibiotic resistance of <i>Propionibacterium </i>spp. may affect its abundance in the skin.