Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum

Gram Stain

• Gram positive bacilli irregular club shaped (aerobic)

Clinical Significance

This organism is part of commensal oropharyngeal flora.

It is associated with respiratory tract infections (necrotizing tracheitis, tracheobronchitis, pneumonia), especially in ventilated/ICU patients or those with immunosuppression and/or cardiopulmonary disease.

It has been implicated in medical device related and wound infections, keratitis, conjunctivitis, peritonitis, endocarditis, and respiratory infection outbreaks in cystic fibrosis patients.

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

This organism is typically susceptible to penicillin.