ibacterium is a gram-positive, ANAEROBIC, rod-shaped genus of bacterianamed for their UNIQUE metabolism: They are able to synthesize propionic acid by using unusual transcarboxylase enzymes.PropionibacteriumCutibacterium (formerly Propionibacterium) acnesScientific classificationKingdom:BacteriaPhylum:ActinobacteriaClass:ActinobacteriaOrder:PropionibacterialesFamily:PropionibacteriaceaeGenus:PropionibacteriumSpecies[3]P. acidifaciensP. P. thoeniiIts members are primarily facultative parasites and commensals of humans and other animals, living in and around the sweat glands, SEBACEOUS glands, and other areas of the skin. They are virtually ubiquitous and do not cause problems for most people, but propionibacteria have been implicated in acneand other skin conditions.[ One STUDY found the Propionibacterium was the most prevalent human skin-associated genus of microorganisms.]Members of the genus Propionibacterium are WIDELY used in the production of vitamin Btetrapyrrole compounds, and propionic acid, as well as in the probiotics and cheese industries.