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Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum: a respiratory tract pathogen
K Ahmed1, K Kawakami, K Watanabe
1Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University, Japan.
Summary
Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum can cause respiratory infections, particularly in older adults. Beta-lactam antibiotics show effectiveness in treating these infections, as indicated by susceptibility tests.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum is a bacterium that can cause opportunistic infections.
- Respiratory infections are a common concern, especially in vulnerable populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical features and treatment outcomes of respiratory infections caused by Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum.
- To determine the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum isolates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 16 infection episodes in 13 patients between 1986 and 1993.
- Sputum culture, Gram staining, electron microscopy, ELISA, and antibiotic susceptibility testing (MICs).
Main Results:
- 16 episodes of respiratory infection occurred in 13 patients (ages 24-77, male:female ratio 3:1).
- Neutrophil response and phagocytosis of C. pseudodiphtheriticum were observed in sputum.
- Isolates were susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics (ampicillin, amoxycillin/clavulanic acid, cefazolin, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, imipenem) but resistant to nalidixic acid.
Conclusions:
- Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum can cause significant respiratory infections.
- Beta-lactam antibiotics are recommended for treating C. pseudodiphtheriticum infections based on observed susceptibility.