Diphtheria Toxin–Producing Corynebacterium ramonii in Inner-City Population, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 2019–2023

Abstract

We conducted patient chart reviews and whole-genome sequencing of wound specimens containing presumptive Corynebacterium ulcerans from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, during July 2019–July 2023. Sequencing confirmed 8/14 isolates were C. ramonii and identified 2 distinct clusters. Molecular methods should be used to clinically differentiate potential toxin-producing Corynebacterium spp.

Keywords

• Corynebacterium ulcerans
• Corynebacterium ramonii
• Corynebacterium diphtheriae
• diphtheria toxin
• cutaneous diphtheria
• next-generation sequencing