Medycyna Wet. 67 (4), 229-232, 2011
full text
| Banaszkiewicz T., Krukowski H. |
| Corynebacterium - occurrence and pathogenicity for humans and animals |
| Coryneform bacteria occur in different environments: soil, water, plants, organisms, humans and animals. Many of them are a part of the normal flora of human and animals while others are opportunistic bacteria. Coryneform bacteria are not new microbes, but their role in infections of humans and animals is still underestimated. The genus of Corynebacterium comprises more than 70 species, including 43 of clinical significance. Among the known Corynebacterium species are distinguished: human and animal pathogens, commensal colonizing of the skin and mucous membranes of the respiratory system and genital tract, as well as plant pathogens and saprophytes living in an abiotic environment (plant debris, soil, water). Predisposing factors for Corynebacterium spp infection include: immunosuppression, long-lasting and broad-band spectrum antibiotics, steroids, an age of over 65-years-of-age, ischemic heart disease, kidney failure, respiratory failure, diabetes, cancer, multi-organ injuries, infections by HIV and CMV viruses, prematurity, tears of the skin and mucous membranes, and invasive medical procedures. The paper presents the occurrence and virulence factors of Corynebacterium spp. Infections caused by Corynebacterium spp. Their resistance to antibiotics are also described. |
| Keywords: Corynebacterium, infections, animals, humans |