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Corynebacterium striatum — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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ModerateHealthcare-Associated InfectionsCorynebacterium striatumSCE Infectious Diseases

A 55-year-old man develops a bloodstream infection with Corynebacterium striatum. This organism is increasingly recognised in healthcare settings. What is its clinical significance?

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Correct answer: E — C. striatum is a genuine pathogen (not a contaminant) that causes healthcare-associated infections including CRBSI, prosthetic device infections, and wound infections; it is often multidrug-resistant requiring Vancomycin

E. striatum has emerged as a significant healthcare-associated pathogen, particularly in ICU and chronic-care settings. It forms biofilms on prosthetic devices and catheters. Unlike C. diphtheriae, it does not produce diphtheria toxin. Crucially, C. striatum is often multidrug-resistant — resistant to penicillins, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, and sometimes Clindamycin. Vancomycin, Daptomycin, and Linezolid usually retain activity. MALDI-TOF MS has improved identification (previously often dismissed as contaminant or mis-identified as Corynebacterium spp. 'diphtheroids').

Reference: BSAC 2023 – Corynebacterium infections; EUCAST 2024 – Corynebacterium