Types Of Acne

Author: rashidasaleem
Source: articlesbase.com

Scientists Discover Genetic Make-up of Acne BacteriumScientists have long known that the bacterium Propionibacteriumacnes (P. acnes) plays a leading role in the development of acnevulgaris, the scourge afflicting some 80% of teenagers and manyadults as well. A normally harmless microbe that lives in thehair follicles of every person, P. acnes helps cause acne whenthe follicles become plugged with sebum, a natural oil producedby the body.Recently a team of German scientists, led by microbiologist Dr.Holger Brueggemann, mapped the genetic code of the P. acnesmicrobe. They discovered that it has a circular chromosome with2,333 genes, many of which had surprising destructive abilities.”We were astonished to see how many genes were involved indegrading the human tissue,” said Dr. Brueggemann.For example, the researchers found that P. acnes containsenzymes similar to those in so-called “flesh-eating” bacteriathat destroy human tissue. It also has enzymes that break downthe skin and use it as its food supply. It contains genes thatsecrete substances that kill competitors, like harmful bacteriaand fungi, in much the same manner as pathogens liketuberculosis and diphtheria. And it uses a defense tactic knownas “phase variation” that helps it escape attack by the humanimmune system.New Acne Treatments May Be PossibleWhat does this mean for acne sufferers?Scientists have long believed that acne results when pores become plugged by bits of dead, flaking skin and sebum. These plugged pores fill with oil, which the P. acnes microbe then feeds on while releasing certain chemicals and enzymes. These enzymes attract white blood cells, causing inflammation, redness and pimples we call acne. Adolescents are more often afflicted by acne because during that age period more of this oil is produced, thanks to hormonal changes in the body at that time. Read More Health Acne Article

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