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Diphtheria

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Diphtheria is an acute, toxin-mediated infectious disease that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a Gram-positive, pleomorphic rod that lacks spore-forming capability and exhibits a characteristic club-shaped morphology under microscopic examination. While C. diphtheriae can asymptomatically colonize mucosal surfaces, clinical disease manifests only when the bacterial strain is lysogenized by a specific β-corynephage. This phage...

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Updated: Apr 6, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA

Published on: February 9, 2011

Corynebacterium ulcerans cutaneous diphtheria.

Luke S P Moore¹, Asuka Leslie², Margie Meltzer²

¹National Centre for Infection Prevention and Management, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.

The Lancet. Infectious Diseases

|July 21, 2015

Summary

A patient developed sepsis from cutaneous diphtheria caused by Corynebacterium ulcerans after animal contact. This case prompted updated UK guidelines for managing this emerging public health concern.

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Area of Science:

Infectious Diseases
Microbiology
Public Health

Background:

Corynebacterium ulcerans is increasingly associated with cutaneous diphtheria in Europe.
The bacterium is often linked to contact with domestic or agricultural animals.

Observation:

A patient presented with cutaneous diphtheria, a hand infection, and sepsis after contact with domestic animals and a fox.
Symptoms included fever, tachycardia, and elevated C-reactive protein.

Findings:

Diagnosis relies on bacterial culture and toxin confirmation.
Management involves antimicrobial therapy and potentially antitoxin administration.

Implications:

Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for effective control measures.
This case led to the redrafting of UK national guidelines for diphtheria management.
Clearer clinical guidelines are needed to assist healthcare professionals.