Where can coryneform bacteria be found?

Coryneform bacteria (“diphtheroids”) are ubiquitous in nature. They are found on human skin and mucous membranes, on plants, in soil, and in freshwater and saltwater. Humans are the only known reservoir of C. diphtheriae, although a novel strain was isolated from cats in West Virginia.

What is the Gram stain of Corynebacterium?

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a Gram-positive nonmotile, club-shaped bacillus. Strains growing in tissue, or older cultures in vitro, contain thin spots in their cell walls that allow decolorization during the Gram stain and result in a Gram-variable reaction.

Is Corynebacterium a normal flora?

Corynebacterium jeikeium is considered part of the normal skin flora, similar to S. epidermidis. This bacterium species resides on the skin of most humans and is commonly cultured from hospitalized patients.

What does Corynebacterium cause?

Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make toxin (poison). It can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, and even death. CDC recommends vaccines for infants, children, teens, and adults to prevent diphtheria.

Can Corynebacterium cause disease?

How do you identify Corynebacterium?

Basic tests for Corynebacteria identification include Gram staining and cell morphology, size, pigmentation, odour and haemolysis of colonies, CAMP reaction, lipophilia, motility and biochemical tests such as catalase and pyrazinamidase production, nitrate reduction, urea hydrolysis, esculin hydrolysis, acid production …

Is Corynebacterium good or bad?

Most recently, an increase in nondiphtherial corynebacterial infections of the skin and soft tissues has been reported. Nondiphtherial corynebacteria also cause chronic and subclinical diseases in domestic animals and can lead to significant economic losses for farmers.

Is Corynebacterium an STD?

Corynebacterium vaginale is a sexually transmitted organism which was first recognized in 1953. It appears to utilize glycogen stored in vaginal epithelial cells, causing a malodorous vaginal discharge characterized by an abnormally high pH (5.0 to 5.5) and composed mainly of epithelial cells and hordes of bacilli.

How do you treat Corynebacterium?

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.

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