Acne vulgaris: is the bacterial population size significant?

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Abstract
The levels of Propionibacterium acnes and members of the Micrococcaceae were enumerated. The 1st investigation on the foreheads of 35 mild and 35 moderate acne patients showed no significant difference in the bacterial populations of the 2 groups. The 2nd investigation of 12 patients on 250 mg tetracycline twice daily for 3 mo. showed no significant difference compared to pre-treatment data in the bacterial population during the successful treatment period. Greater numbers of bacteria apparently are not associated with increasing severity of acne. The effectiveness of oral tetracycline in treating the disease apparently cannot be explained by a reduction in the number of viable bacteria.