Cutaneous Diphtheria by Nontoxigenic Corynebacterium Diphtheriae in Diabetic Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

Chronic diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for skin and soft tissue infections. Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a rare cause of wound infection in chronic diabetic patients. Here, a rare case of wound infection by non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae in a chronic diabetic 45-year-old female patient has been reported. She presented with multiple discharging punched out ulcers on lower back. Diagnosis was confirmed by conventional PCR detecting rpoB gene and toxigenicity testing by Elek’s gel precipitation test. Patient was treated with IV benzylpenicillin and regular dressing. Isolation of single opportunistic microorganism creates a characteristic feature in the present case.

Keywords

• chronic diabetes mellitus
• polymerase chain reaction
• skin ulcers