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Toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae-Associated Genital Ulceration
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|August 21, 2020
Summary
A rare case of cutaneous diphtheria was diagnosed in an adolescent male presenting with genital ulceration. This sexually transmitted infection diagnosis was confirmed by bacterial culture, despite initial negative tests.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Genital ulcerations are often presumed to be sexually transmitted infections.
- Cutaneous diphtheria, caused by *Corynebacterium diphtheriae*, is rare in developed countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of cutaneous diphtheria presenting as genital ulceration.
- To highlight the importance of considering non-sexually transmitted causes for genital lesions.
Main Methods:
- Clinical presentation of an adolescent male with acute genital ulceration.
- Initial diagnostic workup for sexually transmitted infections.
- Bacterial culture of lesion swabs.
- Identification of *Corynebacterium diphtheriae*.
Main Results:
- Initial tests for common sexually transmitted infections were negative.
- Swab samples from the genital lesion grew toxigenic *Corynebacterium diphtheriae*.
- The patient was diagnosed with cutaneous diphtheria.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous diphtheria should be considered in the differential diagnosis of genital ulcerations, even in regions where diphtheria is uncommon.
- Bacterial culture is crucial for identifying the causative agent when initial tests are inconclusive.
Keywords:
Corynebacterium diphtheriaeEthiopiaGermanySexually transmitted infectionsbacteriachild refugeecutaneous diphtheriagenital ulcer diseasesexually transmitted diseasesMore Related Videos
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