Propionibacterium propionicum and infections of the lacrimal apparatus.

Analysis of the clinical details associated with 26 referred isolates of Propionibacterium propionicum revealed the marked propensity of this anaerobe to be involved with infections of the lacrimal apparatus; 18 (69%) of the 26 referred isolates were from cases of canaliculitis in which this organism was regarded as the significant pathogen. Further analysis of data showed a significant correlation with the sex of the patient. Of the 18 cases of canaliculitis, the sex of the patient was reported in 16; 14 (88%) of these 16 patients were females (P < .005). The age of 13 of the 18 patients with canaliculitis was known (mean, 61.6 years; range, < 1-80 years); it appears from these cases that P. propionicum lacrimal infections are more common in later life. None of the referred isolates were identified as Actinomyces species. Despite the fact that infection of the lacrimal apparatus is known as ocular actinomycosis, it appears that P. propionicum is more frequently associated with the condition than are true Actinomyces species.