Non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae in hallux ulceration

Gauthier Delvallez (1) , Edgar Badell (2) , Sokleaph Cheng (1) , Soda Meng (1) , Vivandet Tong (3) , Judy Norman (3) , Julie Toubiana (2) , Koen Vandelannoote (1) , Anne-Laure Bañuls (1) , Mallorie Hide (1) , Sylvain Brisse (2)

1 Institut Pasteur du Cambodge
2 Biodiversité et Epidémiologie des Bactéries pathogènes - Biodiversity and Epidemiology of Bacterial Pathogens
3 Mercy Medical Center Cambodia

Introduction: Toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae causes classical diphtheria. Skin infections by toxigenic or non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae are prevalent in the tropics but are rarely reported. Case presentation: We report the identification of a non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae (biovar Gravis) isolate in a 52-year-old Cambodian male. The patient presented purulent and non-healing ulcerations on the right hallux. The wound has healed after 7 days of antibiotic therapy with a favourable outcome. Conclusions: This case represents, to our knowledge, the first report of Corynebacterium diphtheriae in Cambodia in the last 10 years, and highlights the lack of diagnosis and notifications of diphtheria. It is important to raise awareness among clinicians and to set up diphtheria surveillance in Cambodia.

Keywords: Cambodia; Corynebacterium diphtheriae; hallux ulceration

Domains: Infectious diseases

Gauthier Delvallez, Edgar Badell, Sokleaph Cheng, Soda Meng, Vivandet Tong, et al.. Non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae in hallux ulceration. Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 2022, 16 (06), pp.1118-1121. ⟨10.3855/jidc.16153⟩. ⟨pasteur-03929961⟩