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Case Reports
. 2022 Jun 30;16(6):1118-1121.
doi: 10.3855/jidc.16153.

Non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae in hallux ulceration

Gauthier Delvallez  1 , Edgar Badell  2 , Sokleaph Cheng  3 , Soda Meng  3 , Vivandet Tong  4 , Judy Norman  4 , Julie Toubiana  2 , Koen Vandelannoote  3 , Anne-Laure Bañuls  5 , Mallorie Hide  3 , Sylvain Brisse  2
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Free article
Case Reports

Non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae in hallux ulceration

Gauthier Delvallez et al. J Infect Dev Ctries. .
Free article

Abstract

Introduction: Toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae causes classical diphtheria. Skin infections by toxigenic or non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae are prevalent in the tropics but are rarely reported.

Case presentation: We report the identification of a non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae (biovar Gravis) isolate in a 52-year-old Cambodian male. The patient presented purulent and non-healing ulcerations on the right hallux. The wound has healed after 7 days of antibiotic therapy with a favourable outcome.

Conclusions: This case represents, to our knowledge, the first report of Corynebacterium diphtheriae in Cambodia in the last 10 years, and highlights the lack of diagnosis and notifications of diphtheria. It is important to raise awareness among clinicians and to set up diphtheria surveillance in Cambodia.

Keywords: Cambodia; Corynebacterium diphtheriae; hallux ulceration.

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Conflict of interest statement

No Conflict of Interest is declared

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