Open AccessCorynebacterium pseudodiptheriticum – a dangerous respiratory pathogen. A case report
Author(s) -
Michał Michalik,
Adrianna PodbielskaKubera,
Alfred Samet,
Agnieszka Dmowska-Koroblewska,
Marcin Broda
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
new medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.105
H-Index - 5
eISSN - 1731-2507
pISSN - 1427-0994
DOI - 10.25121/newmed.2018.22.4.147
Subject(s) - medicine , corynebacterium , chronic sinusitis , sinusitis , exacerbation , microbiology and biotechnology , sore throat , pathogen , dermatology , surgery , immunology , bacteria , biology , genetics
We believe that an insufficient role is attributed to bacteria belonging to the genus Corynebacterium in the pathogenesis of chronic sinusitis. These strains are treated as contaminants in most cases. Meanwhile, Corynebacterium strains may be a clinically significant pathogenic agent, especially in cases where samples are collected from the lower respiratory tract in symptomatic patients. Corynebacterium strains can survive in the form of biofilms in hospitals and cause multi-resistant infections. We present a rare case of Corynebacterium pseudodiptheriticum infection. The patient was a 10-year-old girl who complained of recurrent rhinitis and sinusitis. Adenoidectomy and functional endoscopic sinus surgery were performed. The patient returned for a consultation after six months due to exacerbation of the disease symptoms lasting for 2 weeks (inflow of thick secretions difficult to expectorate). Corynebacterium pseudodiptheriticum and Staphylococcus epidermidis were cultured from swabs. The patient was treated with ciprofloxacin, and her condition improved. The described case points to the need to identify strains of a given species and to pay attention to species commonly considered as commensals that may contribute to serious complications.