Corynebacterium Diphtheriae

WHAT IS IT?

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a gram positive pleomorphic bacteria (rod shaped/club shaped). 

CULTURE CHARACTERISTICS

Media used for isolation: Tellurite agar, Löffer medium

  • Black colones present on cystine-tellurite agar. 

Metachromatic (blue and red) granules present 

Elek test positive for their toxin (helps make the diangosis) 

MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS

Diphtheria toxin: inactivates elongation factor EF-2  via DP ribosylation 

TRANSMISSION
CONDITIONS CAUSED

Pharyngitis: classically present with pseudomembranes in the throat, and severe lymphadenopathy (bull neck)

Necrosis in the pharynx, cardiac and CNS tissues. 

TREATMENT
OTHER HY FACTS

 

Page Updated: 04.17.2017