Propionibacterium acnes Sepsis in a Previously Healthy Man

Propionibacterium acnes, an organism normally found on the skin, usually has a low level of virulence. However, it can cause serious infections, especially those associated with implanted cardiac or neurogenic prostheses or endocarditis on previously damaged valves. We describe a healthy man who developed sepsis caused by P. acnes that was isolated in cultures of blood and bone marrow; although endocarditis was suspected, it was not definitely documented.