Multiple pulmonary nodules caused by Corynebacterium striatum in an immunocompetent patient

Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo. 2014 Jan-Feb;56(1):89-91. doi: 10.1590/S0036-46652014000100015.

Abstract

Nondiphtherial corynebacteria are ubiquitous in nature and commonly colonize the skin and mucous membranes of humans, however they rarely account for clinical infection. We present the first reported case of multiple pulmonary nodules caused by Corynebacterium striatum. The infection occurred in a 72-year-old immunocompetent female, and the diagnosis was obtained by Gram's stain and culture of lung biopsy. C. striatum should be recognized as a potential pathogen in both immunocompromised and normal hosts in the appropriate circumstances.

Bacilos não diftéricos são ubiquitários na natureza e comumente colonizam a pele e as membranas mucosas humanas, contudo eles raramente acarretam doença clínica. Apresentamos o primeiro relato de múltiplos nódulos causados por Corynebacterium striatum. A infecção ocorreu numa mulher imunocompetente de 72 anos de idade e o diagnóstico foi obtido pela coloração de Gram e cultivo de biópsia pulmonar. C. striatum deve ser reconhecido como potencial patógeno tanto em pacientes imunodeprimidos como em hospedeiros normais, em circunstâncias apropriadas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Corynebacterium Infections / diagnosis*
  • Corynebacterium Infections / microbiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence
  • Multiple Pulmonary Nodules / diagnosis
  • Multiple Pulmonary Nodules / microbiology*