Cutibacterium Acnes Persists Despite Topical Clindamycin and Benzoyl Peroxide
Phase: PHASE2
Conditions: Surgical Site Infection
Sponsor: University of Southern California

Version Date: 7/2/17  
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PROTOCOL NUMBER:  HS-17-00319 
 
TITLE:  Preoperative Topical Treatment and the Prevalence of Propionibacterium Acnes 
 
STUDY PHASE:   Pilot Study 
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(S):  George F. “Rick” Hatch, III, MD 
 
 
 
 
           1200 N State St, GNH 3900 
 
 
 
 
           Los Angeles, CA 90033 
 
 
 
  
           Phone: (323) 226-7346 
 
        
 
 
           Fax: (323) 226-4051 
 
CO-INVESTIGATOR(S):  
Thomas C. Vangsness, Jr., MD 
Rosemary She (Bender), MD 
 
SUB-INVESTIGATOR(S):  Nathanael Heckmann, MD 
 
 
 
 
K. Soraya Heidari, BA 
 
RESEARCH CONTACT:  
K. Soraya Heidari, BA 
 
LOCATION(S):  
Keck School of Medicine of USC 
 
       
 
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, HC2 
 
       
 
1500 San Pablo St, Suite 2000, Los Angeles, CA 90033 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Version Date: 7/2/17  
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
 
 
1.0 
Background 
3 
2.0 
Objectives and Purpose 
3 
3.0 
Study Design 
3 
4.0 
Drug/Device Information 
4 
5.0  
Selection and Withdrawal of Subjects 
4 
6.0 
Sample Size 
4 
7.0  
Study Agent Administration  
4 
8.0 
Assessment of Efficacy and Safety 
4 
9.0  
Clinical and Laboratory Evaluations 
5 
10.0 
Criteria for Evaluation and Endpoint Definitions 
5 
11.0 
Data Collection and Monitoring 
6 
12.0 
Statistical Consideration 
6 
13.0 
Registration Guidelines 
7 
14.0 
Biohazard Containment 
7 
15.0 
Ethical and Regulatory Considerations 
7 
16.0 
Data Collection Sheet 
7 
17.0 
References 
7 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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1.0   
Background 
 
Great efforts are undertaken in the perioperative period to avoid infection, a major cause of 
morbidity and mortality. Still, infection rates can range from 0.6% to 5%, depending on the type 
of surgery performed.1 Studies in the orthopaedic literature have shown that organisms usually 
characterized as more indolent, such as P. acnes, a known skin pathogen, cause surgical site 
infections following shoulder surgery despite proper preoperative surgical preparation.2 Matsen et 
al. hypothesized that P. acnes infections do not originate from the superficial epidermis, but from 
the dermal layer, which may be expected as P. acnes is known to reside in the sebaceous glands 
and hair bulbs.2, 3  
 
Lee et al. showed a 70% growth rate of P. acnes despite the application of Chloraprep prior to 
sampling, contradicting previous studies that found only 7% growth in the superficial layer of the 
skin using the same skin preparation.4, 5 However, this study was limited as it failed to utilize a 
control group and only investigated one preparatory technique. Meanwhile, there remains to date 
no study investigating the effect of topical treatments in eradicating P. acnes within the dermal 
layer. The purpose of this study is to investigate how specific topical treatments affect growth in 
the dermal layer. 
 
 
2.0   
Objective and Purpose 
 
1. What is the prevalence of Propionibacterium in the dermal layer following topical treatments? 
 
2. Does the type of topical treatment used affect the prevalence of Propionibacterium in the dermal 
layer? 
 
Primary Outcome:  
Positive growth of Propionibacterium acnes on bacterial culture.  
 
Secondary Outcomes: 
Positive hemolysis on brucella agar.  
 
 
3.0   
Study Design 
 
Twelve healthy volunteers who are over the age of 18 will be consented to participate in our study. 
Those individuals with active acne or those who received a course of antibiotics in the last month 
will be excluded. The subject’s upper back will be sectioned into quadrants above the scapular 
spine, which will be each assigned a different topical treatment: clindamycin alone, benzoyl 
peroxide alone, clindamycin plus benzoyl peroxide, and a control, with no topical application. 
Each application will be applied twice daily for 3 consecutive days. Randomization will be 
performed using a random number generator to draw numbers 1-4 in order to designate a topical 
treatment to each quadrant. Quadrants will be labeled with surgical markers to ensure the correct 
treatment is applied. Research subject will be trained on application using a mirror with the 
research staff during recruitment. 

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A 3-mm dermal punch biopsy specimen will be obtained at each site using a commercially 
available kit after prepping with isopropyl alcohol and sterile injection of local anesthesia with 2% 
lidocaine with epinephrine. The biopsy sites will be covered with sterile gauze and allowed to heal 
without closure. Unfortunately, due to procedural limitations, the dermal layer of the skin cannot 
be accessed without penetrating the epidermis. Thus even separating the dermis from the epidermis 
is not helpful because the dermis will have been contaminated from potential pathogens from the 
epidermis during the biopsy procedure.  
 
A total of four punch biopsies will be obtained from the subject’s back; one for each of type of 
topical treatment and the control. The four punch biopsy specimens will then be cultured for P. 
acnes, with serotyping, and held for 21 days to assess for growth. Assessment of growth will be 
made the USC Microbiology Lab, who will be blinded to the treatment condition.  
 
Pipettes will be used to inoculate the fluid onto the following media: blood agar, chocolate agar, 
brucella agar, and brain heart infusion broth. This same culture technique was used by Lee et al, 
in their published study investigating P. acnes levels in the dermis of the skin.4 In order to 
determine hemolytic subtype, the samples will also be tested on Brucella Blood agar, as described 
by Wright et al.6 
 
 
4.0   
Drug/Device Information 
 
- 
Clindamycin 1% topical gel  
- 
Benzoyl Peroxide 5% topical gel 
- 
Clindamycin 1% plus Benzoyl Peroxide 5% topical gel 
- 
Lidocaine 2% with epinephrine  
 
 
5.0   
Selection and Withdrawal of Subjects 
 
Inclusion Criteria: 
- 
Age > 18 years 
 
Exclusion Criteria: 
- 
History of antibiotic use in the last month 
- 
Active acne on the back 
- 
Non-English speakers (the study personnel do not have adequate training to converse with 
and consent in other languages) 
 
 
6.0   
Sample Size 
 
We will recruit participants until there are 12 total subjects.  
 
Power Analysis: 

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Data from previous studies were used to estimate that 70% of cultures will grow positive for P. 
acnes with no therapy.4 For a clinically meaningful response, we would expect only 5% of cultures 
to grow positive for P. acnes following treatment. Thus, for an alpha of 0.05 and power of 80%, 
we would need a minimum of 12 biopsies per treatment group to have adequate power, based on 
a McNemar test for paired proportion comparison.  
 
Sample Size: 
We will recruit a minimum of 12 total subjects to achieve adequate power. Because each patient 
is receiving 4 biopsies, there will be a total of 48 samples. 
 
 
7.0   
Study Agent Administration  
 
Study participation will be discontinued if subject experience any of the side effects listed in 
section 8.0 
 
A participant may always be removed from study participation whenever he/she wishes 
 
 
8.0   
Assessment of Efficacy and Safety 
 
Side effects and toxicities to be monitored:  
1. Anaphylactic reaction: symptoms include flushing, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, 
and fainting. 
2. Nerve Weakness 
3. Infection 
4. Fever 
5. Swelling 
6. Abscess formation 
7. Dizziness 
8. Visual Disturbances 
9. Headache 
10. Nausea 
11. Seizure 
12. Diarrhea 
13. Abdominal pain 
14. Arhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) 
 
Because only 2-4 mL of 2% lidocaine with epinephrine will be used there will be no longterm 
follow-up for these subjects.  
 
The principal investigator is the individual responsible for monitoring and reporting the occurrence 
of adverse events throughout the study. Subjects will be monitored throughout the study. Subjects 
will be taken off the study participation if they experience any side effects. USC orthopaedic staff 
will also monitor for any un-anticipated events. Anticipated adverse events are discussed in the 
Informed Consent Form for this study.  

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The research team will follow the IRB Adverse Even Policy on mandatory reporting of Serious 
Adverse Events (SAEs), and we will also report them immediately both orally and in writing to 
the IRB Program Director within 24 hours of occurrence or recognition.  
 
 
9.0   
Clinical and Laboratory Evaluations 
 
Medical History Assessment Questions: 
1. Are you over the age of 18? 
2. Are you pregnant or think you could possibly be pregnant? 
3. Have you used antibiotics in the last month? 
 
Back Examination: 
1. Inspection of the back of any lesions, rash, acne, or deformities. 
 
 
10.0   Criteria for Evaluation and Endpoint Definitions 
 
All eligible subjects who meet inclusion criteria will be included in the analysis.  
 
The primary outcome will be positive growth of P. acnes on culture. Secondary outcome will be 
subtyping based on hemolysis. The USC Microbiology lab assess the samples and will be blinded 
to treatment condition. They will only receive the participant ID and corresponding treatment 
number. 
 
 
11.0  Data Collection and Monitoring 
 
Protections against risks:  
All key personnel have completed courses on protection of human subjects.  
 
Protections against biomedical risks:  
Only qualified trained orthopaedic surgeons will be performing the biopsies using sterile technique.  
 
Confidentiality:  
To minimize this risk, only the investigators will have access to all data containing personal 
information. All data will be locked in the PI’s office and/or lab. To preserve confidentiality, 
immediately after enrollment the subjects will be assigned a code by which each research subject 
will be identified for further analysis.  
 
Data management:  
All the study data will be collected by the research team and recorded on data collection form, 
found in section 16.0. Immediately after enrollment each subject will be assigned a code by which 
each research subjects will be identified for further analysis to avoid identification by non-qualified 
individuals.  

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12.0   Statistical Considerations 
 
Statistical Analysis: 
Primary outcomes will be treatment comparisons on the percentage of subjects with positive 
cultures for P. acnes.  Primary outcomes will be analyzed using generalized estimating equations 
to account for the within-subject correlated outcomes, as all 4 interventions will be evaluated on 
each subject.  Given the dichotomous outcome (presence/absence of P. acnes), the analysis will 
use a logistic model (binomial random outcome with a logit link function).  Three indicator 
treatment variables will be specified (e.g., clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin plus 
benzoyl peroxide; with lidocaine as the referent group). A 3df overall test of the treatment 
indicators will test for any differences in positivity for P Acnes among the treatments; pairwise 
comparisons among the treatments will adjust for multiple comparisons.  A two-tailed statistical 
test will be performed, testing at an alpha of 0.05. Analyses will also be performed based on 
hemolytic subtypes. 
 
Power Analysis: 
Data from previous studies were used to estimate that 70% of cultures will grow positive for P. 
acnes with no therapy.4 For a clinically meaningful response, we would expect only 5% of cultures 
to grow positive for P. acnes following treatment. Thus, using a McNemar test for paired 
proportion comparison, with an alpha of 0.05 and power of 80%, we would need a minimum of 
12 biopsies per treatment group to have adequate power. 
 
Sample Size: 
We will recruit a minimum of 12 total subjects to achieve adequate power. Because each patient 
is receiving 4 biopsies, there will be a total of 48 samples. 
 
13.0   Registration Guideline 
 
At the time of registration, two copies of a signed and dated patient Informed Consent form with 
Bill of Rights must be available (one copy for the patient; and the other for the PI’s file) 
 
14.0  Biohazard Containment 
 
Biohazardous materials will be disposed of properly in clinic.  
 
 
15.0  Ethical and Regulatory Considerations 
 
All institutional and Federal regulations concerning the Informed Consent form will be fulfilled.  
The study will be conducted in adherence to ICH Good Clinical Practice. 
 
 
16.0  Data Collection Sheet 
 

Version Date: 7/2/17  
8 
 
Pt 
Code Age Sex 
Biopsy group (Control 
vs. Clindamycin vs. 
Benzoyl Peroxide vs. 
Clindamycin and 
Benzoyl Peroxide) 
Positive 
Culture  
Hemolytic 
Subtype 
Adverse 
Events? 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
17.0  References 
 
1. 
Dumville JC, McFarlane E, Edwards P, Lipp A, Holmes A. Preoperative skin antiseptics for 
preventing surgical wound infections after clean surgery. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 
2013;3:Cd003949. 
2. 
Mook WR, Garrigues GE. Diagnosis and Management of Periprosthetic Shoulder Infections.  J 
Bone Joint Surg Am: Incorporated.; 2014. p. 956-65. 
3. 
Matsen FA, 3rd, Butler-Wu S, Carofino BC, Jette JL, Bertelsen A, Bumgarner R. Origin of 
propionibacterium in surgical wounds and evidence-based approach for culturing propionibacterium 
from surgical sites. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2013 Dec 4;95(23):e1811-7. 
4. 
Lee MJ, Pottinger PS, Butler-Wu S, Bumgarner RE, Russ SM, Matsen FA, 3rd. Propionibacterium 
persists in the skin despite standard surgical preparation. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2014 Sep 3;96(17):1447-
50. 
5. 
Saltzman MD, Nuber GW, Gryzlo SM, Marecek GS, Koh JL. Efficacy of surgical preparation 
solutions in shoulder surgery. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2009 Aug;91(8):1949-53. 
6. 
Wright TE, Boyle KK, Duquin TR, Crane JK. Propionibacterium acnes susceptibility and correlation 
with hemolytic phenotyp. Infectious Diseases: Research and Treatment. 2016 Oct;9(9):39-44.  
8. 
Hibbard JS. Analyses comparing the antimicrobial activity and safety of current antiseptic 
agents: a review. J Infus Nurs. 2005 May-Jun;28(3):194-207. 
9. 
Butler-Wu SM, Burns EM, Pottinger PS, Magaret AS, Rakeman JL, Matsen FA, 3rd, et al. 
Optimization of periprosthetic culture for diagnosis of Propionibacterium acnes prosthetic joint 
infection. J Clin Microbiol. 2011 Jul;49(7):2490-5.