Cutibacterium modestum and “Propionibacterium humerusii” represent the same species that is commonly misidentified as Cutibacterium acnes

Abstract

Cutibacterium spp. play an increasing role in soft tissue and implant-associated infections. We isolated a novel Cutibacterium spp. from an implant and investigated this isolate using multiple identification approaches. Correct identification was hampered by inconsistent reference data. The isolate was characterised using conventional methods such as Gram stain, MALDI-TOF MS, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing against multiple antimicrobials. Partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing and whole genome sequencing were also performed. In addition, we summarised the available published sequence data and compared prior data to our strain. Conventional phenotypic identification of our isolate resulted in Cutibacterium spp. After analysis of 16S rRNA gene and genome sequences, our isolate was identified as C. modestum, a very recently described species. The 16S rRNA gene analysis was hampered by three incorrect nucleotides within the 16S rRNA gene reference sequence of C. modestum M12T (accession no. LC466959). We also clearly demonstrate that this novel species is identical to tentatively named “Propionibacterium humerusii”. Retrospective data analysis indicates that C. modestum is a clinically important Cutibacterium species often misidentified as C. acnes. The isolation and identification of Cutibacterium spp. is still a challenge. The correct description of very recently named C. modestum and the availability of a correct 16S rRNA sequence of the type strain may help to clarify the taxonomical uncertainty concerning “P. humerusii”. The novel C. modestum is an additional, clinically important species within the genus Cutibacterium and may represent a new member of the human skin microbiome. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10482-021-01589-5.