Corynebacterium striatum: Jekyll or Hyde in the lungs

Anisha Maria Fernandes*, Ethel Suman, Preetam R. Acharya, Atmananda S. Hegde

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A 50-year-old male patient, with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and multiple co-morbidities was admitted with a fractured femur. He developed respiratory symptoms; good-quality sputum was sent for culture, which showed Gram-positive bacilli in palisades. The isolate was identified as Corynebacterium striatum (C. striatum) by Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and was sensitive to Vancomycin, Linezolid, and Rifampicin. The respiratory symptoms worsened necessitating intubation. Endotracheal aspirate sent for culture and sensitivity yielded C. striatum and multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. The patient deteriorated rapidly and succumbed to his illness. C. striatum is an opportunistic pathogen and should not be overlooked as a commensal when isolated from good-quality clinical specimens. It is an emerging pathogen in severe and often fatal pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. Recent reports of its outbreaks and multi-drug resistance are worrisome. Further investigation is required to develop effective infection control measures to prevent spread and outbreaks in health care settings.

Original languageEnglish
JournalMedical Journal Armed Forces India
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2024

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Corynebacterium striatum: Jekyll or Hyde in the lungs'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this