The localization and distribution of gram positive cocci in normal skin and in lesions of acne vulgaris

Abstract

The localization of gram positive cocci in the normal skin and in the lesions of acne vulgaris was investigated using fluorescein labeled antiserum raised to gram positive, coagulase negative cocci. The cocci were found in 10 of 19 specimens from normal facial skin and in 3 of 11 specimens from the normal skin of the rest of the body. The bacteria were found mostly in the openings of follicles, but in 6 of 10 facial skin specimens, they were also present deeply in the lumina of the dilated sebaceous follicles near the sebaceous glands. Cocci were found in 5 of 6 noninflammatory acne comedones. In inflammatory acne they were demonstrated not only in the follicular canals but also sparsely in the infiltrate surrounding the follicles.