Septicemia, rash, and pulmonary infiltrates secondary to Corynebacterium group JK infection

This report describes a leukemic patient undergoing induction therapy in whom a Corynebacterium JK infection developed while he was leukopenic. The clinical triad of perirectal inflammation, skin lesions, and interstitial lung infiltrates, which has not previously been reported, is discussed. Characteristics of the organism and postulated routes of infection as well as treatment are explored.