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Infections caused by nondiphtheria corynebacteria
Reviews of Infectious Diseases
|November 1, 1982
Summary
Nondiphtheria corynebacteria are increasingly recognized as significant pathogens causing various human diseases, often originating from animal reservoirs. Identification and understanding their clinical impact are crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Nondiphtheria corynebacteria were historically poorly understood regarding classification and clinical relevance.
- These bacteria are now recognized as significant human pathogens, distinct from *Corynebacterium diphtheriae*.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the microbiologic classification and clinical significance of nondiphtheria corynebacteria.
- To present an identification scheme for the *Corynebacterium* genus and its key species.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on nondiphtheria corynebacteria.
- Presentation of a microbiologic identification scheme.
Main Results:
- Several nondiphtheria *Corynebacterium* species are confirmed human pathogens, causing diverse infections like endocarditis, pneumonia, and skin infections.
- Human infections often stem from animal reservoirs.
- Some species produce toxins, including diphtheria-like toxins and hemolysins.
- Infections can occur in both healthy and immunocompromised individuals.
Conclusions:
- Nondiphtheria corynebacteria represent a group of emerging pathogens with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Accurate identification is essential for understanding their role in human disease.
- Further research into their pathogenicity and host interactions is warranted.