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Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
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[Two cases of Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum respiratory tract infection]

Yoshitomo Morinaga1, Katsunori Yanagihara, Koichi Yamada

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Kansenshogaku Zasshi. the Journal of the Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases
|February 23, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum, a common oral bacterium, can cause serious respiratory infections, particularly in patients with underlying lung disease. Prompt diagnosis via Gram staining and appropriate antibiotic treatment, such as beta-lactams, are crucial for successful outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum is a commensal bacterium of the upper respiratory tract.
  • It is infrequently recognized as a pathogen in respiratory tract infections.

Observation:

  • Two cases of C. pseudodiphtheriticum-induced respiratory tract infections are presented.
  • These included an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia.
  • Both patients had pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Findings:

  • First-line chemotherapy failed in both cases, necessitating alternative antibiotic treatment.
  • Isolates demonstrated susceptibility to beta-lactam antibiotics.
  • Gram staining of respiratory specimens proved vital for diagnosis.

Implications:

  • C. pseudodiphtheriticum should be considered in the differential diagnosis of respiratory infections, especially in immunocompromised or debilitated patients.
  • Accurate Gram staining aids in timely and effective antimicrobial therapy selection.
  • Beta-lactams represent a viable treatment option for infections caused by this bacterium.

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