Application of computer taxonomic techniques to the study of cutaneous propionibacteria and skin-surface lipid

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Abstract
Colonisation of the forehead by propionibacteria and the composition of both free fatty acid and fatty acid of the triglyceride fraction of skin-surface lipid were studied, and the results were analysed using numerical taxonomic techniques. The density and prevalence of propionibacteria increased with age in a population of 230 children aged 5–18 years. The fatty-acid composition of casual sebum on the forehead changed with age, suggesting that the prevalence and density of organisms may be related to lipid composition. Clusteranalysis techniques revealed groups of individuals who resembled each other with respect to their triglyceride and free-fatty-acid profiles. These groups tended to consist of subjects who were of a similar age and maturity, and who were similarly colonised with propionibacteria. However, no relationship was evident between the composition of lipid and clinical acne.
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