Cutibacterium acnes str. 11-78

Cutibacterium acnes strain 11-78 is a Gram-positive, nonsporulating rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in anaerobic environments, with an optimal growth temperature of 37.0 °C. This microbe is primarily associated with host organisms, suggesting a specific relationship with its host environment, which is typical for many members of the Cutibacterium genus. C. acnes is known for its role in the human microbiome, particularly on the skin, where it can contribute to the maintenance of skin health as well as being implicated in various skin conditions. Its anaerobic nature indicates that it metabolizes substrates in the absence of oxygen, a trait that aligns with its ecological niche on human skin and within hair follicles. The ability to survive and proliferate at the human body temperature further underscores its adaptation to a host-associated lifestyle. The ecological role of C. acnes str. 11-78 may extend beyond mere commensalism, as it may play a crucial role in skin homeostasis by outcompeting pathogenic organisms and contributing to the skin's microbial diversity. Understanding the specific interactions and functions of this strain within the host microbiome could provide insights into its potential influence on skin health and disease.