Tox-positive Corynebacterium ulcerans in hedgehogs, Germany

Abstract

ABSTRACTToxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans may cause both respiratory and cutaneous diphtheria in humans. As a zoonotic emerging pathogen it has been isolated from a wide variety of animals living in captivity, such as livestock, pet, zoo and research animals and additionally in a large number of different wild animals. Here we report the isolation of tox-positive C. ulcerans in four hedgehogs with cutaneous diphtheria and pneumonia, respectively.

Keywords

• Tox-positive
• Corynebacterium
• ulcerans
• hedgehogs
• Germany