eMedicine Specialties > Infectious Diseases > Bacterial Infections

Corynebacterium Infections

Lynda A Frassetto, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine

Updated: Jun 30, 2008

Introduction

Background

Corynebacteria (from the Greek words koryne, meaning club, and bacterion, meaning little rod) are gram-positive, catalase-positive, aerobic or facultatively anaerobic, generally nonmotile rods. The genus contains the species Corynebacterium diphtheriae and the nondiphtherial corynebacteria, collectively referred to as diphtheroids. Nondiphtherial corynebacteria, originally thought to be mainly contaminants, have recently been recognized as pathogenic, especially in immunocompromised hosts.

Approximately 20 years ago, taxonomic changes were made to diverse genera previously included within the coryneform groups. The reclassification is based on the degree of homology of RNA oligonucleotides between groups. Based on this reclassification, for example, Corynebacterium haemolyticum became Arcanobacterium haemolyticum and the JK group became Corynebacterium jeikeium.¹ More recently, Van den Velde and colleagues have suggested that species of corynebacteria would be more correctly identified based on their cellular fatty acid profiles (ie, for the C14 to C20 fatty acids).²

Advances in molecular biology and genome analysis now also allow for detailed descriptions of DNA-binding transcription factors and transcriptional regulatory networks. This was first described for Corynebacterium glutamicun. Web-based resources are available online at CoryneRegNet³ and CoryneCenter.⁴

Prior to the 1990s, the incidence of diphtheria had been declining. However, an epidemic of diphtheria in the former Soviet Union was first noticed in the Russian republic in 1990 and then spread to the other newly independent states, peaking in the mid-1990s. In some endemic locations, such as India, 44% of throat and nasal swabs tested positive for C diphtheriae and Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum.⁵ Today, the more common scenario is nondiphtherial corynebacterial bacteremia associated with device infections (venous access catheters, heart valves, neurosurgical shunts, peritoneal catheters), as well as meningitis, septic arthritis, and urinary tract infections.

For more information about C diphtheriae infections, please see Diphtheria.

Nondiphtherial corynebacteria also cause chronic and subclinical diseases in domestic animals and can lead to significant economic losses for farmers. Examples of widespread and difficult-to-control infections include Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis caseous lymphadenitis in sheep, goats, and alpacas; C pseudotuberculosis ulcerative dermatitis in cattle; and urinary tract infections and mastitis (affecting milk production) in cattle due to infection with Corynebacterium renale, Corynebacterium cystidis, Corynebacterium pilosum, and Corynebacterium bovis.^6,7

Pathophysiology

C diphtheriae

C diphtheriae infection is typically characterized by a local inflammation, usually in the upper respiratory tract, associated with toxin-mediated cardiac and neural disease. Three strains of C diphtheriae are recognized, in decreasing order of virulence: gravis, intermedius, and mitis. These strains all produce an identical toxin, but the gravis strain is potentially more virulent because it grows faster and depletes the local iron supply, allowing for earlier and greater toxin production. Toxin production is encoded on the tox gene, which, in turn, is carried on a lysogenic beta phage. When DNA of the phage integrates into the host bacteria's genetic material, the bacteria develop the capacity to produce this polypeptide toxin.

The tox gene is regulated by a corynebacterial iron-binding repressor (DtxR). In the presence of ferrous iron, the DtxR-iron complex attaches to the tox gene operon, inhibiting transcription. In an iron-poor environment, the DtxR molecule is released and the tox gene is transcribed (see Image 1).

The toxin is a single polypeptide with an active (A) domain, a binding (B) domain, and a hydrophobic segment known as the T domain, which helps release the active part of the polypeptide into the cytoplasm. In the cytosol, the A domain catalyzes the transfer of an adenosine diphosphate-ribose molecule to one of the elongation factors (eg, elongation factor 2 [EF2]) responsible for protein synthesis. This transfer inactivates the factor, thereby inhibiting cellular protein synthesis. Inhibiting all the protein synthesis in the cell causes cell death.

In this manner, the toxin is responsible for many of the clinical manifestations of the disease. As little as 0.1 µg can cause death in guinea pigs. In 1890, von Behring and Kitasato demonstrated that sublethal doses of the toxin induced neutralizing antibodies against the toxin in horses. In turn, this antiserum passively protected the animals against death following challenge infection. By the early 1900s, treating the toxin with heat and formalin was discovered to render it nontoxic. When injected into recipients, the treated toxin induced neutralizing antibodies. By the 1930s, many Western countries began immunization programs using this toxoid.

More recently, iron levels have been shown to regulate the adhesion properties of the bacteria; iron-limited conditions promote changes in the cell-surface residues, leading to increased hemagglutination activity and decreased binding to glass.⁸

The disease occurs mainly in temperate zones and is endemic in certain regions of the world. Most US cases are sporadic or occur in nonimmunized persons. Humans are the only known reservoir for the disease. The primary modes of dissemination are by airborne respiratory droplets, direct contact with droplets, or infected skin lesions. Asymptomatic respiratory carrier states are believed to be important in perpetuating both endemic and epidemic disease. Immunization reduces the likelihood of carrier status.

Bacteria usually gain entry to the body through the upper respiratory tract, but entry through the skin, genital tract, or eye is also possible. The cell surface of C diphtheriae has 3 distinct pilus structures: the main pilus shaft (SpaA) and 2 small pili (SpaB, SpaC). Adherence to respiratory epithelial cells can be greatly diminished by blocking production of these two minor pili or by using antibodies directed against them.⁹     

In most cases, C diphtheriae infection grows locally and elicits toxin rather than spreading hematogenously. The characteristic membrane of diphtheria is thick, leathery, grayish-blue or white and composed of bacteria, necrotic epithelium, macrophages, and fibrin. The membrane firmly adheres to the underlying mucosa; forceful removal of this membrane causes bleeding. The membrane can spread down the bronchial tree, causing respiratory tract obstruction and dyspnea.

The toxin-induced manifestations involve mainly the heart, kidneys, and peripheral nerves. Cardiac enlargement due to myocarditis is common. The kidneys become edematous and develop interstitial changes. Both the motor and sensory fibers of the peripheral nerves demonstrate fatty degenerative changes and disintegration of the medullary sheaths. The anterior horn cells and posterior columns of the spinal canal can be involved, and the CNS may develop signs of hemorrhage, meningitis, and encephalitis. Death is mainly due to respiratory obstruction by the membrane or toxic effects in the heart or nervous system.

In recent years, the epidemiology of C diphtheriae infection has been changing. Increasing numbers of skin, pharyngeal, and bacteremic infections with nontoxigenic bacteria have been reported. Among 828 cultures of nontoxigenic C diphtheriae isolated from different regions of Russia from 1994-2002, 14% carried the gene for the toxin.¹⁰ Molecular characterization based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of some of these nontoxigenic strains have demonstrated that the bacteria often contain functional DtxR proteins, which could potentially produce toxin.

Other corynebacteria (ie, diphtheroids)

Nondiphtherial corynebacteria are ubiquitous in nature and commonly colonize human skin and mucous membranes. Only recently has the role of these organisms in human infections been appreciated. In fact, many of these organisms cannot be speciated or typed easily, even in research laboratories, although recent advances in PCR technology are improving our ability to identify these bacteria. Seven or 8 major species or groups are labeled. The review by Coyle and Lipsky is an in-depth evaluation of the role of coryneform bacteria in causing infections.¹

Specific pathogenic groups or species include the following:

• Corynebacterium ulcerans
• C pseudotuberculosis (also known as Corynebacterium ovis)
• Corynebacterium pyogenes
• A haemolyticum
• Corynebacterium aquaticum
• C pseudodiphtheriticum (also known as Corynebacterium hofmannii)
• Group D2 (also known as Corynebacterium urealyticum)
• Group E
• C jeikeium (ie, group JK)

Some of these species are also pathogenic in animals, especially in livestock; others appear specific to humans. Depending on the species, both skin and internal-organ systems can be affected, particularly in patients who are elderly, are immunosuppressed, or have multiorgan dysfunction. While most species (eg, C ulcerans) are sensitive to many antibiotics, some (eg, group D2) can be highly resistant and require susceptibility testing for optimal treatment.

Frequency

United States

• C diphtheriae
• In immunized persons, the rate of C diphtheriae infection since 1980 has been extremely low (<5 cases per100,000 population). Although infection can occur in immunized persons, prior immunization decreases disease frequency and severity. However, disease incidence started to fall even before the widespread use of toxoid. This decline may have been due to a decreasing incidence of bacterial carriers. In addition, immunized persons are less likely to be carriers of toxigenic phages.
• Persons who have never been immunized or those incompletely immunized or with waxing immunity are at an increased risk for infection. In the United States, this group mainly consists of poorer individuals and immigrants.
• Diphtheroids: Infections with nondiphtherial corynebacteria are being reported more frequently, especially those associated with medical devices such as intravascular catheters, artificial valves, and CNS drainage devices.

International

C diphtheriae infection: In the early 1990s, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that diphtheria was still endemic in many parts of the world (eg, Brazil, Nigeria, the Indian subcontinent, Indonesia, Philippines, some parts of the former Soviet Union [especially St. Petersburg and Moscow]), with epidemics also reported in republics of the former Soviet Union. The February 2000 supplement (vol. 181) of the Journal of Infectious Diseases contains an in-depth evaluation of the epidemic.¹¹

• The KyrgyzRepublic experienced a widespread resurgence of diphtheria from 1994-1998. Among 676 patients hospitalized with respiratory diphtheria, 163 (24%) were carriers, 186 (28%) had tonsillar forms, 78 (12%) had combined types or delayed diagnosis, and 201 (30%) had severe forms. The highest age-specific incidence rates occurred among persons aged 15-34 years; 70% of cases were among those aged 15 years or older. Myocarditis occurred among 151 patients (22%), and 19 patients died (case fatality rate of 3%).¹²
• In another epidemic in the Republic of Georgia from 1993-1996, 659 cases and 68 deaths were reported (case fatality rate of 10%). More than 50% of the cases and deaths were in children aged 14 years and younger (case fatality rate of 16%) and in adults aged 40-49 years (case fatality rate of 19%).¹³
• Sporadic C diphtheriae infections are reported annually. These include skin and bloodstream infections. A review of 85 isolates from the United Kingdom from 1998-2003 revealed that most the reports came from one hospital in London, suggesting that the true incidence may be higher.¹⁴
• Another recent review of C diphtheriae infections in Brazil and South America emphasized a shift in biotype, with an increase in the dissemination of an atypical sucrose-fermenting biotype, which appears to have an enhanced ability to colonize and to spread.¹⁵
• Diphtheroids: Infections with the nondiphtherial corynebacteria are reported worldwide. Some (eg, group D2) originally reported in Europe are now found in the United States, while the JK group initially reported in the United States is found in Europe.

Mortality/Morbidity

• C diphtheriae
  • Mortality rates are highest at the extremes of age and in insufficiently immunized persons. However, even partial immunization confers a reduced risk of severe disease. Death usually occurs within the first week, either from asphyxia or heart disease.
  • Immunity to diphtheria waxes in the absence of booster injections of toxoid or natural infection. Therefore, persons traveling to endemic areas should receive booster injections. At one time, diphtheria immunization was considered lapsed if more than 4 years had elapsed since the last booster. This estimate is probably still relevant for persons traveling to high-risk areas, particularly those in high-risk jobs, such as medical personnel. Otherwise, the routine recommendation is currently for booster injections every 10 years. Annual updates are made each year by the CDC. A complete Adult Immunization Schedule is available from the CDC's National Immunization Program.
• Diphtheroids: These infections tend to occur in patients who are elderly, neutropenic, or immunocompromised or who have prosthetic devices (eg, heart valves, dialysis catheters, neurologic shunts).

Race

• C diphtheriae: The respiratory form of this disease has no racial predilection. Since 1972, the prevalence of the cutaneous form of the disease has increased in the United States, with a high attack rate among Native Americans and in indigent areas where crowding and poor personal and community hygiene are common. Three outbreaks of C diphtheriae infection, 86% of which were cutaneous, were recorded in Seattle's Skid Road from 1972-1982.¹⁶
• Diphtheroids: No racial predilection exists.

Sex

• No sexual predilection is reported for any of the corynebacterial diseases.

Age

• C diphtheriae: The incidence of infection in children who are not immunized is reported as 70 times higher than in children who have received primary immunization. In the recent epidemics in the republics of the former Soviet Union, the high rate of infection among adults aged 40-49 years has been attributed to their low levels of immunity.
• Diphtheroids: Infections are reported in children and elderly persons.

Clinical

History

• C diphtheriae
  • Respiratory: Following an incubation period of 2-4 days, patients typically report upper respiratory tract symptoms (eg, nasal discharge, sore throat). The posterior pharynx and tonsillar pillars are most often involved. Onset is often sudden, with low-grade fevers, malaise, and membrane development on one or both tonsils, with extension to other parts of the respiratory system.
  • Cardiac: The toxic effect in the myocardium characteristically occurs within 1-2 weeks following onset of infection, often when the upper respiratory tract symptoms are improving. Manifestations are due to arrhythmias and congestive heart failure (CHF).
  • Neurologic: Neurological symptoms can occur immediately or after several weeks. Bulbar symptoms generally occur within the first 2 weeks after disease onset and can range from mild symptoms (eg, difficulty swallowing) to bilateral symmetric paresis of the palatal and ocular muscles. The bulbar symptoms may remit or progress to paralysis of the proximal and then distal skeletal muscles over the next 30-90 days. Although recovery can be very slow, patients generally regain complete neurologic function. Secondary complications include aspiration from bulbar paralysis and bronchopneumonia from respiratory muscle dysfunction.
  • Skin: Cutaneous infections can occur, often in more tropical climates, presenting as nonhealing ulcers. A recent surveillance study of Native Americans presenting to the Indian Health Service clinics in South Dakota recovered C diphtheriae from 6 (5%) of the 133 patients, 1 of whom had skin ulcers.
• Diphtheroids
  • Because these corynebacteria are also pathogenic in animals (eg, C ulcerans, C pseudotuberculosis, C ovis), a history of exposure to sick animals or to animal products (eg, milk, offal, hides) is common. C ulcerans generally causes respiratory symptoms, while C ovis produces a suppurative lymphadenitis.
  • In hosts colonized with diphtheroids (eg, groups D2, JK), bacteria can be recovered from both skin and mucosal surfaces. Corynebacterium striatum and C pseudodiphtheriticum (or C hofmannii) are normal inhabitants of the anterior nares and skin. Symptoms relate to the organ system affected. Immunocompromised patients appear to have higher colonization rates than healthy persons and may be at a greater risk of developing an infection after being colonized. Antimicrobial resistance is also more common in isolates from immunosuppressed patients.
  • The methods of transmission for nondiphtherial corynebacteria are incompletely understood. Transmission from patient to patient, from colonized hospital staff to patients, and from environmental contamination to patients have all been suggested. In antibiotic-resistant corynebacteria, transmission of the plasmid responsible for the resistance may be important.

Physical

• C diphtheriae - Respiratory signs
  • Nasal infection may present as serosanguineous or seropurulent drainage.
  • With tonsillar and pharyngeal infection, exudates coalesce to form the characteristic pseudomembrane of diphtheria.
  • The membrane usually is grayish-white, although it can become blackish or greenish with necrosis (see Image 2).
  • The extent of disease correlates with the severity of symptoms. Extension of the membrane to the posterior pharyngeal wall, soft palate, or nasopharynx is associated with profound malaise, weakness, cervical adenopathy, and swelling (see Image 3), which can distort the airway and cause stridor.
  • Symptoms of hoarseness, dyspnea, stridor, and a loud brassy cough are associated with extension into the larynx and bronchial tree.
  • Edema and membrane formation can cause further respiratory distress and respiratory muscle fatigue, requiring intubation.
  • In fatal diphtheria, the airways are edematous, with necrosis of the epithelium covered by the pseudomembrane, and the lungs are hemorrhagic.
• C diphtheriae - Cardiac signs
  • Subtle evidence of myocarditis may occur in many patients, but 10-25% of patients develop clinical cardiac dysfunction.
  • Signs of CHF (eg, cardiomegaly, volume overload) are not uncommon.
• C diphtheriae - Nervous system signs
  • Signs of cranial nerve dysfunction can occur within a few days of disease onset, with paralysis of the soft palate and posterior pharyngeal wall causing dysphagia and regurgitation.
  • Although the motor component is usually affected most severely, both sensory and motor nerves are affected by the peripheral neuritis that occurs later.
  • The symptoms start in the proximal muscle groups of the extremities and spread distally.
  • In mild cases, only the hip girdle muscles may be affected; these patients have trouble getting out of a chair unassisted. In these patients, the motor reflexes of the lower extremities may be normal.
  • In the most extreme cases, respiratory muscle dysfunction occurs and patients may require respiratory support.
  • Interestingly, reports show that the paralysis disappears at the same rate that it appears.
  • Even in extremely serious cases, the neuropathy is reversible with few or no sequelae.
  • In severe cases, the paralysis can spread to the trunk and cause temporary bowel and bladder dysfunction.
  • Paresthesias, which mainly occur distally, are the most commonly reported sensory abnormalities.
• C diphtheriae - Skin signs
  • C diphtheriae can cause skin infections with nonhealing ulcers.
  • A vesicle or pustule develops initially and progresses to one or more punched-out lesions that measure from a few millimeters to several centimeters, with curved elevated margins.
  • The lesions are initially painful and may be covered with eschar.
  • After a few weeks, the lesions become painless and often have a serosanguineous exudate.
• Diphtheroids
  • Signs of diphtheroid-associated infection relate to the affected organ systems. Species of corynebacteria recovered from skin ulcers include C ulcerans, C bovis, and A haemolyticum. Those associated with bacteremia and sepsis include C pyogenes; C bovis; Corynebacterium xerosis; and groups D2, E, and JK. Case reports depict that these organisms are associated with endocarditis, prosthetic device infection, pneumonia, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis.
  • Type D2 was originally identified as a pathogen causing chronic or recurrent cystitis, bladder stones, and pyelonephritis. People with prior urinary tract abnormalities or who have recently undergone urologic procedures are at highest risk for this disease.
  • A haemolyticum is reported to cause as many as 10% of all pharyngitis cases in patients aged 10-30 years. These bacteria are capable of producing an extracellular toxin that can cause an erythrogenic rash associated with the pharyngitis.
  • C ulcerans usually causes skin infections but is occasionally associated with pharyngitis and respiratory disease. In 1996, a 54-year-old, otherwise healthy woman in Indiana who had never received diphtheria immunization developed a membranous pharyngitis with a toxin-producing strain of these bacteria.¹⁷ More recently, a review of clinical samples from the National Microbiology Laboratory in Canada has demonstrated C ulcerans isolates from blood cultures.¹⁸
  • C striatum is found on catheters in patients who are neutropenic and have malignancies and has been recovered from the blood of patients with pleuropulmonary infections, endocarditis, and peritonitis. One case of C striatum meningitis was also reported recently.¹⁹
  • C pseudodiphtheriticum infection is also found in immunocompromised hosts, associated with both native and prosthetic valve endocarditis, pneumonia, lung abscesses, tracheobronchitis, and suppurative lymphadenitis. In 1995, Manzella and colleagues reviewed the clinical and microbiological features of 17 cases of bronchitis and pneumonia due to C pseudodiphtheriticum that required hospitalization.²⁰
  • Group JK can be found on the skin of healthy people. Patients with prolonged hospitalization, neutropenia, or on a prolonged course of antibiotics have a high prevalence for highly resistant JK bacteria. The most common manifestation is endocarditis with bacteremia, often associated with indwelling catheters. Removal of the indwelling catheter is often necessary.
  • Corynebacteria is often found in the semen of men with inflammatory prostatitis; Türk et al found that more than half of these were isolates were Corynebacterium seminale.²¹
  • Cases of Corynebacterium macginleyi keratitis following eye surgery have been reported.²² In these cases, the bacteria was relatively resistant to extended-spectrum penicillins and fluoroquinolones. 
  • Corynebacterium resistens is a newly described, multidrug-resistant species associated with fatal bacteremia in immunocompromised patients in Japan.²³

Differential Diagnoses

Other Problems to Be Considered

Vincent angina
Acute epiglottitis
Guillain-Barré syndrome
Lymphadenitis
Peripheral or bulbar neuropathy
Cystitis

Workup

Laboratory Studies

• C diphtheriae
• Obtain clinical specimens and information regarding the patient's contacts.
• Obtain a CBC count and urinalysis because patients often have a moderate elevation in leukocytes and may have mild proteinuria (1+ to 2+ by dipstick).
• In the past, C diphtheriae grew on a nutritionally inadequate medium devised by Friedrich Loeffler; the diphtheria organisms initially outgrew the other throat flora. With the Loeffler stain, the bacteria show metachromatic granules and a palisading morphology said to resemble Chinese characters.
• Today, diagnoses of C diphtheriae infection can be confirmed definitively by culture on blood agar or selective tellurite media, which inhibits the growth of normal oral flora; C diphtheriae develops a black colony with a characteristic gray-brown halo. Potentially toxigenic species (eg, C diphtheriae, C ulcerans, C pseudotuberculosis) have cystinase but not pyrazinamidase activity.
• Traditionally, toxin production was demonstrated by injecting toxin material into guinea pigs and watching to see if they died. The Elek plate test for biologic activity of the toxin, an immunoprecipitation test, was developed in 1949 and replaced the in vivo guinea pig test. Even though the test was recently modified and standardized, interpretation can be difficult.
• Other recent tests for toxigenicity include PCR detection of the A and B subunits of the tox gene, PCR detection of the A fragment of the toxin, and rapid enzyme immunoassay using a monoclonal antibody to the A fragment. However, some studies identify bacterial isolates that contain the A fragment of the toxin, which is not biologically active. Reports from Russia and Ukraine suggest that the number of these false-positive results is increasing.
• The modified Elek tests take 24-48 hours for results; PCR detection and the enzyme immunoassay test reportedly yield results within a few hours.
• Diphtheroids
• In the past, diphtheroid species were identified by culture. A wide variety of colony types may be observed. Many require special media to grow (eg, sheep's blood agar, Loeffler or tellurite plates) and some grow quite slowly. The colony types also have a range of biochemical characteristics, making identification difficult. For this reason, clinical suspicion of diphtheroid infection requires communication with the microbiology laboratory so that the appropriate cultures can be processed. More recently, 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) probes have been designed for the identification of both genus and species of corynebacteria.
• As mentioned above, toxigenic strains of C ulcerans and C pseudotuberculosis are reported. Therefore, consider testing for toxin production.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities include pleocytosis and elevated protein levels; the degree of inflammation in the CSF does not appear to correlate with the degree of neurologic dysfunction.

Other Tests

• Electrocardiography
  • ECG changes include conduction abnormalities and repolarization changes. As many as 30% of patients with respiratory tract diphtheria demonstrate abnormal ECG results within a week to 10 days of developing respiratory symptoms.
  • Patients who develop clinical or ECG changes associated with cardiac disease have a mortality rate that is 3-4 times higher than patients with normal ECG results.
• Autopsy
  • At autopsy, the heart is pale brown, soft, and enlarged, with a characteristic streaky appearance.
  • Neutral fat accumulations are observed in approximately 50% of patients, with extensive hyaline degeneration and necrosis with inflammatory changes.
  • Electron microscopy demonstrates swollen disorganized mitochondria that contain dense osmophilic granules.
  • The coronary vessels, valves, endocardial surfaces, and epicardial surfaces are unaffected.
  • Microscopic examination of the affected nerves shows myelin sheath and axon degeneration. In particular, the large myelinated fibers are affected, demonstrating characteristic segmental demyelination.
  • In fatal cases, the kidneys demonstrate interstitial edema and necrosis at autopsy.

Treatment

Medical Care

For the initial office visit or emergency department treatment, see Diphtheria in the eMedicine Emergency Medicine section.

• C diphtheriae
  • Since the early 1900s, diphtheria antitoxin (DAT), produced in horses, has been the mainstay of therapy. The antiserum works only to neutralize the toxin before it enters the cell. The antiserum is thought to be more effective in less severely ill patients and in those who are treated earlier in the disease course. Therefore, more severely ill patients and those with longer symptom duration are given higher doses than those with less severe disease of shorter duration. Whether this is an effective way of dosing the antiserum has never been tested.
  • Many people show signs of hypersensitivity reactions to the horse antiserum, and a test dose is usually given, with epinephrine available in case the patient has a severe reaction. However, because the mortality rate associated with antiserum has declined markedly, desensitization with increasing doses of antiserum is recommended.
  • Antibiotics treatment is the second arm of treatment. The goal is both to kill the organism and to terminate toxin production. Many antibiotics are effective, including penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, rifampin, and tetracycline; erythromycin or penicillin is the treatment of choice and is usually given for 14 days.
  • Supportive care is also important, including rest, airway management, observation for development of secondary lung infections, and management of cardiac and neurologic disease complications.
• Diphtheroids
  • Antibiotics are the treatment of choice for nondiphtherial corynebacteria infections. Many species and groups are sensitive to various antibiotics, including penicillins, macrolide antibiotics, rifampin, and fluoroquinolones. However, antibiotic susceptibility can vary, and susceptibility testing is recommended. A review by Riegel et al on identification and antimicrobial sensitivity in 415 corynebacterial isolates from clinical specimens of patients hospitalized in Strasbourg, France, demonstrated that many species or groups were susceptible to ampicillin, cefotaxime, and rifampicin.²⁴ Many species or groups were resistant to erythromycin, and 2 groups (ie, JK, C urealyticum) were resistant to nearly every drug tested.
  • Another review, by Spanik et al, examined risk factors for disease with corynebacteria.²⁵ Of 123 episodes of breakthrough bacteremia during antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with cancer, 10% were from corynebacteria causing indwelling catheter infections. In this review, catheter removal and modification of antimicrobial therapy, depending on susceptibility testing, were independent risk factors for an improved outcome.

Surgical Care

The mainstay of treatment for these infections is nonsurgical. However, a case report discussed necrotizing lymphadenitis that was unresponsive to repeated antibiotic therapy, requiring surgical drainage and adequate debridement of the infected area.²⁶

Consultations

• The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the source for antitoxin (ie, DAT) in the United States. If treating suspected cases of diphtheria, contact the diphtheria duty officer at 404-639-8255 from 8 AM to 4:30 PM (EST) or at 404-639-2889 all other times.
• Report all suspected cases of diphtheria to local and state health departments. Local infectious disease specialists who work with the CDC are available 24 hours a day through the local public health department for help with symptoms and disease management.
• Cardiologists, pulmonary specialists, and neurologists may help in the care of patients who have specific disease complications.

Medication

For C diphtheriae infection, the therapy is antitoxin and antibiotic treatment. Many antibiotics are effective, including penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, rifampin, and tetracycline. Of recent concern are reports of penicillin tolerance among nontoxigenic C diphtheriae strains tested in Europe.²⁷

For the nondiphtherial corynebacteria, antibiotic susceptibility testing is often required to determine the best treatment.

Booster treatment with diphtheria toxoid is also given often. Please see Deterrence/Prevention for a discussion of vaccinations with toxoid.

Antitoxins

These agents are administered to neutralize toxin responsible for diphtheria.

Diphtheria antitoxin (DAT)

Dose given depends on site of infection and length of time patient is symptomatic. In US, DAT available from CDC. Contact diphtheria duty officer at 404-639-8255 from 8 AM to 4:30 PM (EST) or at 404-639-2889 all other times. Report all suspected cases of diphtheria to local and state health departments.

Dosing

Adult

Laryngeal or pharyngeal disease of <48 h duration: 20,000-40,000 U IV over 60 min
Nasopharyngeal infection: 40,000-60,000 U IV
Extensive disease of >3 d duration or any patient with neck swelling: 80,000-100,000 U IV
May be given IM for mild-to-moderate disease
Test all patients with a 1:10-1:100 dilution of DAT SC; if an immediate reaction occurs, administer epinephrine; hypersensitivity to horse serum not contraindication to antitoxin injection; desensitize subjects with increasing doses of diluted DAT

Pediatric

Administer as in adults

Interactions

None reported

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity

Precautions

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Approximately 10% of patients may develop serum sickness; hypersensitivity reactions can include anaphylaxis, requiring epinephrine treatment

Antibiotics

Empiric antimicrobial therapy must be comprehensive and should cover all likely pathogens in the context of the clinical setting.

Erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab)

Inhibits bacterial growth, possibly by blocking dissociation of peptidyl t-RNA from ribosomes, causing RNA-dependent protein synthesis to arrest. For treatment of staphylococcal and streptococcal infections. In children, age, weight, and severity of infection determine proper dosage. When bid dosing desired, half of total daily dose may be taken q12h. For more severe infections, double dose. Parenteral erythromycin available as gluceptate or lactobionate. All PO dosage forms produce relatively similar effective base serum concentrations. Equivalent dosage of various formulations may be used for base.

Dosing

Adult

500 mg PO/IV q6h for 14 d if tolerated

Pediatric

40-50 mg/kg/d PO/IV divided q6h for 14 d if tolerated

Interactions

May increase toxicity of theophylline, digoxin, carbamazepine, and cyclosporine; may potentiate anticoagulant effects of warfarin; lovastatin and simvastatin increase risk of rhabdomyolysis

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity; hepatic impairment

Precautions

Pregnancy

B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals

Precautions

Caution in liver disease; estolate formulation may cause cholestatic jaundice; adverse GI effects common (give doses pc); discontinue use if nausea, vomiting, malaise, abdominal colic, or fever occur

Vancomycin (Vancocin)

Antibiotic useful against gram-positive organisms, particularly C jeikeium. Useful to treat septicemia, skin structure infections, and IV line infections/bacteremias.

Dosing

Adult

1 g IV infused over 1 h q12h

Pediatric

40 mg/kg/d IV infused over 1 h divided q6h

Interactions

Erythema, histaminelike flushing, and anaphylactic reactions may occur when administered with anesthetic agents; if taken concurrently with aminoglycosides, risk of nephrotoxicity may increase above that with aminoglycoside monotherapy; effects in neuromuscular blockade may be enhanced when coadministered with nondepolarizing muscle relaxants

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity

Precautions

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Caution in renal failure; neutropenia; red man syndrome caused by IV infusion that is too rapid (dose given over few min) but rarely happens when dose given over 2 h or by PO route; red man syndrome not allergic reaction

Rifampin (Rifadin)

Nondiphtherial corynebacteria often are susceptible.

Dosing

Adult

600 mg PO qd or divided bid

Pediatric

20 mg/kg PO qd or divided bid; not to exceed 600 mg/d

Interactions

Induces microsomal enzymes, which may decrease effects of acetaminophen, oral anticoagulants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, chloramphenicol, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, mexiletine, cyclosporine, digitoxin, disopyramide, estrogens, hydantoins, methadone, clofibrate, quinidine, dapsone, tazobactam, sulfonylureas, theophyllines, tocainide, and digoxin; blood pressure may increase with coadministration of enalapril; coadministration with isoniazid may result in higher rate of hepatotoxicity than with either agent alone (discontinue one or both agents if alterations in LFTs occur)

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity

Precautions

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Obtain CBC and baseline clinical chemistries prior to and throughout therapy; in liver disease, weigh benefits against risk of further liver damage; high-dose intermittent therapy and interruption of therapy associated with thrombocytopenia, which is reversible with discontinuation of therapy as soon as purpura occurs; if treatment continued or resumed after appearance of purpura, cerebral hemorrhage or death may occur; can cause reddish discoloration of urine, sweat, sputum, and tears; soft contact lenses may be permanently stained

Follow-up

Inpatient & Outpatient Medications

See Medication.

Deterrence/Prevention

• Vaccination
  • As mentioned above, childhood immunization is the prevention method of choice. Diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (DTP) vaccine, given at ages 2, 4, and 6 months; at age 15-18 months; and at least 5 years later (age 4-6 y) is the immunization regimen recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
  • Unvaccinated people older than 7 years or people whose immunization status is unknown should receive 3 doses of the adult formulation of the tetanus-diphtheria toxoid (Td). The first 2 doses are given 4-8 weeks apart, and the third dose is given 6-12 months later. The first booster dose of Td should be given at least 5 years after the last immunization and every 10 years thereafter.
  • Adverse reactions include local induration, pain, redness, and, occasionally, low-grade fevers. Serum sickness hypersensitivity reactions are reported in some adults.
  • Vaccination coverage levels are monitored by the CDC National Immunization Survey, which estimates vaccination coverage for the 50 states. Compared with the baseline year of 1992, national coverage with 4 or more doses of DTP increased significantly, from 55% to 78%.
  • In comparison, some industrialized countries have much lower immunization levels. In a recent seroepidemiologic study from Spain, only 26% of the sample population of 3944 men and women aged 5-59 years were fully protected and more than 85% of those aged 20-39 years had little or no protection against diphtheria.²⁸ In other Western countries, serologic protection was found in 50-80% of subjects, with some countries showing a greater protection rate in older subjects (eg, Sweden) and some countries showing a greater protection rate in younger subjects (eg, Germany, France, Turkey, Slovakia).
  • Risks for travelers, therefore, are higher in parts of the world where immunization levels are low and the disease is prevalent. The Health Protection Agency Centre for Infections in the United Kingdom recommends boosters every 10 years for travelers planning to visit areas of endemic disease.²⁹ The CDC has an up-to-date Web site on diphtheria prevention for the public at www.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/dtp.htm.
  • In 2008, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued guidelines on the prevention of pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria in pregnant and postpartum women and their infants. Details can be found at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/574587.

Complications

• See History and Lab Studies.

Prognosis

• See History and Lab Studies.

Patient Education

• Vaccination is the key to preventing C diphtheriae infections. Public health services and individual physicians are important resources for providing appropriate treatments. Vaccination is especially important for high-risk groups (eg, children, elderly individuals, immigrants from areas of continued endemic infections).
• Infections with other diphtheroids are becoming an increasingly important problem in immunocompromised individuals; updated education of physicians caring for these patients is needed.
• For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Children's Health Center and Public Health Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education articles Immunization Schedule, Children and Immunization Schedule, Adults.

Miscellaneous

Medicolegal Pitfalls

• Failure to recognize pseudomembrane of diphtheria
• Failure to administer antitoxin and antimicrobials promptly while awaiting culture-proven diagnosis
• Failure to anticipate respiratory arrest due to obstruction
• Failure to refer contacts for treatment and testing
• Failure to contact appropriate health organizations for epidemiologic tracking and treatment of contacts

Special Concerns

• Pregnancy: Vaccination of susceptible pregnant women is advised by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Infants born to mothers with high antibody titers are not protected and require the usual vaccinations. In 2008, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued guidelines on the prevention of pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria in pregnant and postpartum women and their infants. Details can be found at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/574587.

Multimedia

Media file 1: The corynebacterial tox gene is regulated by the corynebacterial iron-binding repressor, labeled DtxR. Binding of ferrous iron to the DtxR molecule forms a complex that binds to the tox gene operator and inhibits transcription. Depletion of iron from the system removes the repression and allows the toxin to be produced.

Media file 2: The characteristic thick membrane of diphtheria infection in the posterior pharynx.

Media file 3: Cervical edema and cervical lymphadenopathy from diphtheria infection produce a bullneck appearance in this child. (Source: Public Domain www.immunize.org/images/ca.d/ipcd1861/img0002.htm)

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Keywords

Corynebacterium infection, corynebacterial infection, corynebacterial disease, diphtheria, diphtheroids, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, C diphtheriae, Corynebacterium ulcerans, C ulcerans, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, C pseudotuberculosis, Corynebacterium ovis, C ovis, Corynebacterium pyogenes, C pyogenes, Corynebacterium haemolyticum, C haemolyticum, Corynebacterium aquaticum, C aquaticum, Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum, C pseudodiphtheriticum, Corynebacterium hofmannii, C hofmannii, Corynebacterium urealyticum, C urealyticum, Corynebacterium jeikeium, C jeikeium, Corynebacterium renale, C renale, Corynebacterium cystidis, C cystidis, Corynebacterium pilosum, C pilosum, Corynebacterium bovis, C bovis, Corynebacterium striatum, C striatum, Corynebacterium xerosis, C xerosis, Corynebacterium seminale, C seminale, Corynebacterium macginleyi, C macginleyi

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Lynda A Frassetto, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine
Lynda A Frassetto, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians and American Society of Nephrology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

John M Leedom, MD, Professor of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California; Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Los Angeles County, University of Southern California Medical Center
John M Leedom, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, American Society for Microbiology, Infectious Diseases Society of America, International AIDS Society, and Phi Beta Kappa
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Managing Editor

John W King, MD, Professor of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center; Director, Viral Therapeutics Clinics for Hepatitis; Consulting Staff, Department of Infectious Diseases, Overton Brook Veterans Affairs Medical Center
John W King, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American College of Physicians, American Federation for Medical Research, American Society for Microbiology, Association of Subspecialty Professors, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and Sigma Xi
Disclosure: emedicine $50.00 author of chapter

CME Editor

Eleftherios Mylonakis, MD, Clinical and Research Fellow, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital
Eleftherios Mylonakis, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American College of Physicians, American Society for Microbiology, and Infectious Diseases Society of America
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Burke A Cunha, MD, Professor of Medicine, State University of New York School of Medicine at Stony Brook; Chief, Infectious Disease Division, Winthrop-University Hospital
Burke A Cunha, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Physicians, and Infectious Diseases Society of America
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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