Characterization and Comparison of Invasive Corynebacterium diphtheriae Isolates from France and Poland

Abstract

Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the agent of diphtheria, is rarely responsible for bacteremia. However, high numbers of bacteremia have been reported in countries with extensive immunization coverage. Here, we used molecular and phenotypic tools to characterize and compare 42 invasive isolates collected in France (including New Caledonia) and Poland over a 23-year period.

Late-onset prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by nontoxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae

“…The causative agent in this patient was NTCD biotype gravis, similar to the organism isolated from invasive infections in Poland [9,15], the United States [4,12], and New Zealand [7]. In contrast to these observations, biotype mitis dominated among the invasive isolates in France [15], indicting a regional variation in the distribution of biotypes. The age of this patient was in agreement with previous reports, where 80% patients suffering from NTCD endocarditis were under 30 years of age [6][7][8]11,22].…”

“…In countries where anti-diphtheria vaccination is being regularly implemented, the spectrum of diseases caused by C. diphtheriae has been altered [6][7][8][9]12], resulting in increased prevalence of NTCD infections, which can occur in DPT-immunized populations [6,8]. The causative agent in this patient was NTCD biotype gravis, similar to the organism isolated from invasive infections in Poland [9,15], the United States [4,12], and New Zealand [7]. In contrast to these observations, biotype mitis dominated among the invasive isolates in France [15], indicting a regional variation in the distribution of biotypes.…”

“…As a consequence of the decreased prevalence of diphtheria, there has been a recent surge in NTCD infections, especially invasive diseases including IE, in countries such as Brazil [14], France [8,15], India [11], Poland [9], the United Kingdom [6], the United States [4,12], and New Zealand [7].…”

Novel configurations of type I and II CRISPR–Cas systems in Corynebacterium diphtheriae

“…Moreover, the eastern European outbreak of the 1990s resulted in 157 000 cases and 5000 deaths, indicating this pathogen is far from under control (Dittmann et al, 2000). Recently, there have been increasing numbers of cases being caused by non-toxigenic strains, suggesting a change to the life style of this pathogen (Edwards et al, 2011;Farfour et al, 2012;Romney et al, 2006). The global immunization initiative in the 1940s resulted in a dramatic reduction in cases of diphtheria, yet the vaccine targets the toxin; therefore, it is only effective against toxin producing strains.…”

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction to identify and determine the toxigenicity of Corynebacterium spp with zoonotic potential and an overview of human and animal infections

“…Non-toxigenic strains generally cause persistent sore throats and severe pharyngitis/tonsillitis and invasive diseases, such as endocarditis, septic arthritis, splenic abscesses and osteomyelitis, are not uncommon (Galazka 2000, Dzupova et al 2005, Farfour et al 2012. In non-industrialised countries there is an overall lack of information on the prevalence of colonisation by and diseases caused by non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae in the population due to a reduction in the frequency of routine screening for this organism.…”