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Corynebacterium Striatum, an Emerging Nosocomial Pathogen: Case Reports
Priya Datta1, Varsha Gupta1, Menal Gupta1
1Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector-32, Chandigarh, India.
Background:
Corynebacterium striatum is an emerging nosocomial pathogen, capable of causing a variety of infections in immunocompromised and hospitalized patients. ; Case Presentation: We describe three cases of infection by C. striatum that were initially considered as contamination. Clinical suspicion in the wake of predisposing factors and accurate identification, using the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), were key to implicate this commensal bacterium as a cause of infection.
Insights
Corynebacterium striatum infections can be mistaken for contamination. Accurate identification using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is crucial for diagnosing this emerging nosocomial pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Corynebacterium striatum is an emerging nosocomial pathogen.
- It can cause various infections, particularly in immunocompromised and hospitalized patients.
- Distinguishing true infection from contamination is a clinical challenge.
Observation:
- Three cases of C. striatum infection were initially misidentified as contamination.
- Clinical suspicion, considering predisposing factors, was essential.
Findings:
- Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) enabled accurate identification.
- This technique was key to implicating C. striatum as the causative agent.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of accurate identification of C. striatum.
- Emphasizes the need for clinical suspicion in cases of potential contamination.
- Underscores the role of advanced techniques like MALDI-TOF MS in diagnosing emerging pathogens.
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