Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2025

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
Bacteremia complicated with pneumonia caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Xiaojun Zhou1, Xuebing Wang2, Hua Wu1
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China.
Abstract:
Due to the use of vaccines, infections caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae are now rare. Here we describe a case of bacteremia complicated with pneumonia caused by C. diphtheriae in a 69-year-old male patient. The patient presented at the emergency department with a 2 days history of fever of unknown origin. Subsequent examinations revealed pneumonia and bacteremia. Non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae strains were isolated from blood and sputum. The patient had antimicrobial therapy with good improvement. We highlight the important role of C. diphtheriae in causing bacteremia and pneumonia, and its accurate and timely diagnosis is needed to avoid poor visual outcomes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...

