Chronic meningitis caused by <i>Propionibacterium acnes</i>

Abstract

Three patients with chronic meningitis apparently were infected with the common skin commensal, <i>Propionibacterium acnes</i>. Although this organism is a common culture contaminant, actual infection with P. <i>acnes</i> appears likely in our cases, either as secondary to another primary meningeal inflammatory disease or as the primary etiology. We suggest that <i>P. acnes</i> may be a cause of chronic meningitis in man. Further reports appear necessary to better establish and clarify the pathogenetic role played by <i>P. acnes</i> when isolated in chronic, occult infection in the central nervous system.