Determining the Effects of Sulphide Derivatives towards the Efficiency of Clindamycin against Propionibacterium acnes

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition characterised by chronic inflammation of sebaceous follicles that causes itchiness and pain. A key contributor to the pathogenesis of acne is the anaerobic bacterium Propionibacterium acnes, which is most abundant within the lipid-rich sebaceous follicles, especially on the face, back, and chest. Antibacterial drugs, like clindamycin, are commonly used to treat acne due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties targeting bacteria like P. acnes. However, overusing these antibiotics can lead to bacterial resistance, making them less effective over time. A recent study suggested that reactive sulphur species (RSS) may decrease antimicrobial potency against various bacteria. Despite this, it is still unclear whether these sulphide compounds could impair the therapeutic effectiveness of topical antimicrobial drugs. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the potential impact of sulphide derivatives on drug efficacy in treating P. acnes strain ATCC®-6919.