Corynebacterium spp.

Abstract

Genomics: Corynebacterium diphtheriae: chromosome 2,488,635 bp; 2320 predicted ORFs (Cerdeno-Tarraga et al. 2003) Cell morphology: Rod-shaped cells; irregular, club-shaped (Coryne), or V-shaped arrangements (Fig. 4.1) Can undergo snapping movements after cell division -- cause cells to look like Chinese letters or palisades Club shape due to metachromatic polyphosphate granules at ends of cells Gram stain: Gram positive Growth: Aerobes; catalase positive. Found in soil, water, and plants; nonpathogenic species are normal microbiota of the skin and most mucous membranes. >120 species; C. diphtheriae is only a primary pathogen (due to toxin; see below): C. amicolatum, C. striatum, C. urealyticum, C. ulcerans, C. xerosis, C. tuberculosis, and C. jeikeium are opportunistic pathogens of immunosuppressed patients. C. jeikeium: ``group JK''; lipophilic multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen; frequently associated with bone marrow transplant patients and intravascular devices