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A case of fatal sepsis due to multidrug-resistant Corynebacterium striatum
M Chatzopoulou1, T Koufakis2, I Voulgaridi1
1Medical Microbiology Department, General Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece.
Background:
Although non-diphtheria corynebacteria have traditionally been regarded as avirulent members of human bacterial flora, their pathogenic potential is increasingly recognized in our time. Reasons for this include the prolonged survival of severely ill and immunocompromised patients, the development of more invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and the sub-optimal use of antibiotics that disrupts normal microbial balance and favors superinfections.
Case Report:
We present a rare case of sepsis due to multidrug-resistant Corynebacterium striatum in a 76-year-old host. The patient suffered from myelodysplastic syndrome and was on corticosteroid treatment due to atopic dermatitis. He had, also, a recent hospital admission and received a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics due to lower respiratory infection. The patient responded neither to empiric nor to targeted treatment and finally succumbed.
Conclusion:
Diphtheroids are emerging pathogens capable of causing severe opportunistic infections. Their multidrugresistant nature renders treatment problematic and poses a threat to the currently established antimicrobial stewardship programs. Hippokratia 2016, 20(1): 67-69.
Insights
Non-diphtheria corynebacteria, like Corynebacterium striatum, are increasingly recognized as opportunistic pathogens. This case highlights the challenges of treating multidrug-resistant strains in immunocompromised patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Case Studies
Background:
- Traditionally considered avirulent, non-diphtheria corynebacteria exhibit increasing pathogenic potential.
- Factors contributing to this include advances in medical care, invasive procedures, and antibiotic overuse.
- These factors can disrupt microbial balance and lead to opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- A rare case of sepsis caused by multidrug-resistant Corynebacterium striatum is presented.
- The patient was a 76-year-old male with myelodysplastic syndrome and atopic dermatitis on corticosteroids.
- He had recent hospital admission and antibiotic treatment for a respiratory infection.
Findings:
- The patient's sepsis was caused by a multidrug-resistant strain of Corynebacterium striatum.
- Empiric and targeted antibiotic treatments were ineffective.
- The patient ultimately succumbed to the infection.
Implications:
- Diphtheroids are emerging pathogens causing severe opportunistic infections.
- Multidrug resistance in these organisms complicates treatment strategies.
- This poses a significant challenge to antimicrobial stewardship programs.
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