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Published on: September 25, 2019
Hard-to-heal peripheral wounds infected with Corynebacterium striatum: a prospective study
Edoardo Virgilio1,2, Mariacarmela Solmone3, Alessandro Scardigno4
1Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
Objective:
To investigate Corynebacterium striatum as a nosocomial pathogen infecting hard-to-heal peripheral wounds, such as skin wounds, soft tissue abscesses and osteomyelitis. As of 2023, the medical community were alerted against the risk of emerging systemic and central infections; on the other hand literature on peripheral cutaneous regions is still scarce.
Method:
In this study, two groups of patients with similar lesions which were infected were compared: one group with the presence of the coryneform rod, the other without.
Results:
In total, Corynebacterium striatum was cultured from 62 patients and 131 samples. Corynebacterium striatum infection correlated well with the presence of: foot ulcer; venous leg ulcer; altered ambulation and/or altered foot loading; peripheral vascular and arterial disease; hospitalisation; malignancy; spinal cord injury; and recent administration of antibiotics (p<0.05 for all associations). Patients with Corynebacterium striatum had a lower overall survival rate compared to patients in the non-Corynebacterium striatum group (28.6 versus 31.6 months, respectively; p=0.0285). Multivariate analysis revealed that Corynebacterium striatum infection was an independent factor for poor prognosis (p<0.0001).
Conclusion:
In view of the findings of our study, Corynebacterium striatum appears to be an important opportunistic pathogen infecting peripheral tissues and complicating wound healing. Given its numerous and worrying virulence factors (such as multidrug resistance and biofilm production), particular attention should be given to this pathogen by professional wound care providers in nosocomial and outpatient environments.
Insights
Corynebacterium striatum is an opportunistic pathogen that complicates hard-to-heal peripheral wounds, increasing poor prognosis in infected patients. Wound care providers should monitor this multidrug-resistant bacterium in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Wound Care
Background:
- Corynebacterium striatum is increasingly recognized as a nosocomial pathogen.
- Literature on its role in peripheral cutaneous infections remains limited.
- This study addresses the gap in understanding C. striatum in hard-to-heal wounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Corynebacterium striatum as a pathogen in peripheral wounds.
- To identify risk factors and outcomes associated with C. striatum infections.
- To highlight the clinical significance of C. striatum in wound care.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study of patients with infected lesions.
- Two groups were analyzed: one with C. striatum, one without.
- Statistical analysis identified correlations and prognostic factors.
Main Results:
- C. striatum was cultured from 62 patients and 131 samples.
- Infection correlated with foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, altered ambulation, vascular disease, hospitalization, malignancy, spinal cord injury, and antibiotic use (p<0.05).
- C. striatum infection was an independent factor for poor prognosis (p<0.0001) with lower survival rates.
Conclusions:
- Corynebacterium striatum is an opportunistic pathogen complicating peripheral wound healing.
- Its virulence factors, including multidrug resistance and biofilm production, warrant attention.
- Wound care providers should be vigilant for C. striatum in nosocomial and outpatient settings.
