Isolation of a Non-Toxigenic Strain in a Patient with Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a nonsporulating, nonencapsulated, nonmotile, pleomorphic, Gram-positive bacillus that displays a characteristic morphology resembling “Chinese characters” on Gram stain examination. It is the etiologic agent of diphtheria, an upper respiratory tract disease with high morbidity and mortality rates, especially among children. Once considered a major worldwide health problem, today diphtheria is almost a forgotten disease because of the high rates of worldwide immunization practices using the toxoid vaccine.
Source: Clinical Microbiology Newsletter - Category: Microbiology Authors: Tags: Case Report Source Type: news