Molecular characterization and whole-genome sequencing of Corynebacterium diphtheriae causing skin lesion

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2024 Jan;43(1):203-208. doi: 10.1007/s10096-023-04706-6. Epub 2023 Nov 21.

Abstract

We present a case of skin lesion caused by nontoxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Genomic taxonomy analyses corroborated the preliminary identification provided by mass spectrometry. The strain showed a susceptible phenotype with increased exposure to penicillin, the first drug of choice for the treatment. An empty type 1 class integron carrying only the sul1 gene, which encodes sulfonamide resistance, was found flanked by transposases. Virulence factors involved in adherence and iron uptake, as well as the CRISPR-Cas system, were predicted. MLST analysis revealed the ST-681, previously reported in French Guiana, a European territory.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Corynebacterium diphtheriae* / genetics
  • Genomics
  • Humans
  • Iron
  • Multilocus Sequence Typing
  • Whole Genome Sequencing

Substances

  • Iron