An underestimated pathogen: Corynebacterium species.

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Historically, Corynebacterium species, excluding C. diphtheriae, were considered non-pathogenic.
• Recent decades show a rise in pathogenic non-diphtheriae Corynebacterium species causing various infections.
• These bacteria are linked to specific clinical scenarios and anatomical sites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the emerging pathogenic roles of non-diphtheriae Corynebacterium species.
• To emphasize the importance of accurate identification and reporting in clinical microbiology.
• To discuss the utility of MALDI-TOF MS in identifying these organisms.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of clinical cases and microbiological studies.
• Analysis of infection types associated with specific Corynebacterium species.
• Discussion of diagnostic methods, including MALDI-TOF MS.

Main Results:

• C. striatum and C. jeikeium cause bloodstream and orthopedic infections.
• C. macginleyi and C. otitidis are implicated in eye and ear infections.
• C. propinquum/pseudodiphtheriticum group cause pneumonia; C. urealyticum causes cystitis; C. kroppenstedtii is linked to mastitis.
• Cutaneous disorders like erythrasma are associated with C. aurimucosum/minutissimum.
• Biofilm formation leads to device-associated infections (catheters, shunts, prosthetics).

Conclusions:

• Non-diphtheriae Corynebacterium species are significant pathogens requiring clinical awareness.
• Optimized laboratory identification, particularly with MALDI-TOF MS, is essential for patient care.
• Accurate identification aids in appropriate treatment and management of Corynebacterium-related infections.