[Classical pseudomembranous diphtheria caused by Corynebacterium ulcerans]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Bacteriology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Classical diphtheria, caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, is a serious bacterial infection.
• Recent years have seen very rare isolations of Corynebacterium diphtheriae in Switzerland.
• Differential diagnosis for diphtheria-like symptoms requires consideration of alternative pathogens.

Observation:

• A 63-year-old patient presented with symptoms of classical diphtheria, including membranous pharyngotracheobronchitis and myocarditis.
• Corynebacterium ulcerans was isolated from the patient's pharyngeal membranes.
• The isolated strain produced a toxin specific to Corynebacterium ulcerans, not diphtheria toxin.

Findings:

• The patient experienced a complicated hospital course with respiratory and cardiac failure.
• Corynebacterium ulcerans was identified as the causative agent, mimicking classical diphtheria.
• The illness highlights the pathogenic potential of Corynebacterium ulcerans.

Implications:

• Corynebacterium ulcerans should be considered in the differential diagnosis of classical diphtheria.
• This case broadens the understanding of diphtheria-like illnesses and their causative agents.
• Public health awareness and diagnostic considerations for Corynebacterium ulcerans are important.