Cutaneous infections due to Corynebacterium diphtheriae

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Cutaneous diphtheria, caused by toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae, is an uncommon manifestation.
• Skin infections can serve as a reservoir for C. diphtheriae, potentially contributing to transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and characteristics of toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae skin infections in an indigent patient population.
• To determine the association between cutaneous C. diphtheriae infections and the occurrence of clinical diphtheria.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patient records from emergency and out-patient departments.
• Microbiological culture and identification of bacterial pathogens from skin lesions.
• Correlation analysis between C. diphtheriae isolation and clinical diphtheria diagnoses.

Main Results:

• Toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae was isolated from skin lesions in 44 indigent patients.
• Staphylococci or hemolytic streptococci were concurrently present in all identified wounds.
• An increase in clinical diphtheria incidence was observed preceding and during the recognition of these cutaneous infections.
• Gravis strains of C. diphtheriae predominated and showed sensitivity to erythromycin and penicillin, but resistance to cloxacillin.

Conclusions:

• Cutaneous infections with toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae are a significant finding in indigent populations.
• The presence of these skin lesions may be linked to an increased incidence of clinical diphtheria.
• Antibiotic susceptibility patterns indicate specific treatment considerations for C. diphtheriae gravis strains.