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Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum keratitis and conjunctivitis: a case report

A Li1, S Lal

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. amyl@one.net.au

Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology
|May 10, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum, a rare pathogen, caused keratitis and conjunctivitis in an 86-year-old immunocompromised man. This case highlights the potential for commensal organisms to cause severe ocular infections in vulnerable patients.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Corynebacteria are typically commensal organisms.
  • Ocular surface infections are usually caused by more common pathogens.
  • Immunocompromised status increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections.

Observation:

  • An 86-year-old male presented with keratitis and conjunctivitis.
  • The patient was immunocompromised, with corneal and conjunctival epithelial defects.
  • Ocular cultures yielded Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum.

Findings:

  • Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum can cause severe keratitis and conjunctivitis.
  • Commensal organisms pose a risk for ocular infections in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Positive cultures for C. pseudodiphtheriticum in this context are clinically significant.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider Corynebacterium species in ocular infections, especially in immunocompromised patients.
  • Prompt identification and treatment are crucial to prevent severe outcomes.
  • The role of commensal bacteria in opportunistic ocular infections warrants further investigation.

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