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Corynebacterium striatum meningitis: case report and review of an increasingly important Corynebacterium species
K Weiss1, A C Labbé, M Laverdière
1Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Abstract:
For a long time, corynebacteria were considered simple cutaneous contaminants with little potential pathogenicity. Corynebacterium striatum is a known saprophytic cutaneous bacterium; however, in the last decade, this organism has been increasingly recognized as a pathogen. It has been mostly implicated in respiratory tract and blood infections. To our knowledge, we report the first case of meningitis due to C. striatum. Treatment with intravenous vancomycin resulted in therapeutic success. We also thoroughly review all previously reported cases of C. striatum infection. Identification of Corynebacterium species can be difficult because of rapid taxonomic changes, and susceptibility testing for these microorganisms is not yet standardized. However, because of their growing clinical importance, data on these bacteria are accumulating.
Insights
Corynebacterium striatum, typically a skin contaminant, is increasingly causing infections. This study reports the first case of Corynebacterium striatum meningitis, successfully treated with vancomycin.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Corynebacteria were historically viewed as benign skin contaminants.
- Recent years have seen an rise in Corynebacterium striatum as a significant pathogen, primarily in respiratory and bloodstream infections.
Observation:
- This paper documents the first reported instance of meningitis caused by Corynebacterium striatum.
- The patient received intravenous vancomycin, leading to a successful therapeutic outcome.
Findings:
- Corynebacterium striatum can cause serious invasive infections like meningitis.
- Intravenous vancomycin demonstrated efficacy in treating C. striatum meningitis.
Implications:
- The findings highlight the evolving pathogenic potential of Corynebacterium striatum.
- Accurate identification and standardized susceptibility testing are crucial due to the increasing clinical relevance of these bacteria.