Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Corynebacterium group D2

Area of Science:

• Medical microbiology
• Bacteriology
• Infectious diseases

Background:

• Corynebacterium group D2, a recently recognized human pathogen, presents unique clinical and microbiological characteristics.
• This organism has been implicated in clinical infections, despite its initial description 16 years ago.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the emergence of Corynebacterium group D2 as a human pathogen.
• To describe the antimicrobial resistance patterns and pathogenic factors of Corynebacterium group D2.
• To differentiate Corynebacterium group D2 from Corynebacterium jeikeium.

Main Methods:

• Clinical and microbiological characterization of Corynebacterium group D2.
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Comparison with Corynebacterium jeikeium.

Main Results:

• Corynebacterium group D2 exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial resistance, sensitive only to vancomycin, teicoplanin, and some quinolones.
• The bacteria is primarily associated with urinary tract infections, with urease activity potentially contributing to pathogenicity.
• Corynebacterium group D2 is isolated from healthy skin in hospitalized patients (mainly females), contrasting with Corynebacterium jeikeium prevalence in males.

Conclusions:

• Corynebacterium group D2 is an emerging human pathogen requiring awareness among microbiologists.
• Its slow-growing nature and distinct characteristics necessitate careful identification in clinical specimens.
• Understanding the differences between Corynebacterium group D2 and Corynebacterium jeikeium is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.