Corynebacterium striatum--a classic pathogen eluding diagnosis

Eur J Intern Med. 2009 May;20(3):e49-52. doi: 10.1016/j.ejim.2008.08.009. Epub 2008 Oct 5.

Abstract

We report one case of infective endocarditis and two cases of arthritis due to Corynebacterium striatum. After reviewing all previously reported cases, we illustrate the clinical features typical of infection, including nosocomial risk factors and prominent embolic phenomena in the cases of endocarditis. Our cases underscore the importance of prompt diagnosis when confronted with positive blood and synovial cultures. This ubiquitous organism and common contaminant is a rare yet deadly pathogen.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arthritis, Infectious / diagnosis*
  • Arthritis, Infectious / microbiology*
  • Corynebacterium Infections / complications
  • Corynebacterium Infections / diagnosis*
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / diagnosis*
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / microbiology*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male