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Corynebacterium diphtheriae endocarditis: sustained potential of a classical pathogen.

R W Trepeta, S C Edberg

    American Journal of Clinical Pathology
    |May 1, 1984
    PubMed
    Summary

    A case of endocarditis caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae in an immunocompromised patient highlights the need for vigilance. All C. diphtheriae strains, even nontoxigenic ones, should be considered potentially dangerous.

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    Area of Science:

    • Medical Microbiology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Diphtheria, caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, is often considered a historical disease.
    • Laboratories may not routinely identify C. diphtheriae, reporting it as a diphtheroid or Corynebacterium.

    Observation:

    • A 35-year-old male with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) presented with symptoms of endocarditis.
    • Blood cultures revealed gram-positive rods identified as a nontoxigenic strain of C. diphtheriae.

    Findings:

    • The patient's endocarditis was attributed to a nontoxigenic C. diphtheriae strain.
    • This case underscores that all C. diphtheriae isolates, regardless of toxigenicity, can cause severe infections.

    Implications:

    • Laboratories must maintain awareness for C. diphtheriae identification due to potential severe epidemiologic situations.

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  • Vigilance is crucial given the possibility of toxigenic strains and a non-immunized population reservoir.