Association between chronic inflammation and latent infection of Propionibacterium acnes in non-pyogenic degenerated intervertebral discs: a pilot study

ConclusionsLatentP. acnes infection was associated with chronic inflammation in degenerated intervertebral discs, especially in the samples with visible bacteria in histology, which manifested as increased numbers of cytokines and neutrophils. Discs withP. acnes infection had much severer disc degeneration andP. acnes-associated chronic inflammation may be the reason.
Source: European Spine Journal - Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research