Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Due to Corynebacterium ulcerans - Case Reports

• Published in: Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift (1946) Vol. 142; no. 21; p. 1609
• Main Authors: Jenssen, Christian, Schwede, Ilona, Neumann, Volker, Pietsch, Cristine, Handrick, Werner
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: German
• Published: Germany 01.10.2017
• Subjects: Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Animals, Domestic; Bacterial Toxins - biosynthesis; Corynebacterium - classification; Corynebacterium - metabolism; Corynebacterium Infections - complications; Corynebacterium Infections - diagnosis; Corynebacterium Infections - microbiology; Corynebacterium Infections - therapy; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Skin Diseases, Bacterial - complications; Skin Diseases, Bacterial - diagnosis; Skin Diseases, Bacterial - microbiology; Skin Diseases, Bacterial - therapy; Soft Tissue Infections - complications; Soft Tissue Infections - diagnosis; Soft Tissue Infections - microbiology; Soft Tissue Infections - therapy
• ISSN: 1439-4413
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-117929

We report on three patients suffering from skin and soft tissue infections of the legs due to toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans strains. In all three patients, there was a predisposition due to chronic diseases. Three patients had domestic animals (cat, dog) in their households.  A mixed bacterial flora including Corynebacterium ulcerans was found in wound swab samples. Diphtheric toxin was produced by the Corynebacterium ulcerans strains in all three cases.  In all three patients, successful handling of the skin and soft tissue infections was possible by combining local treatment with antibiotics. Diphtheria antitoxin was not administered in any case.  Based on a review of the recent literature pathogenesis, clinical symptoms and signs, diagnostics and therapy of skin and soft tissue infections due to Corynebacterium ulcerans are discussed. Corynebacterium ulcerans should be considered as a potential cause of severe skin and soft tissue infections. Occupational or domestic animal contacts should be evaluated.