Abstract
Corynebacteria are irregularly shaped gram-positive rods, which are usually commensals of the skin and mucous membranes of humans. With the exception Corynebacterium diphteriae, Corynebacteria are in general considered as a contaminant. During the last few years, an increasing number of publications have reported an association of coryneform bacteria with disease. To the best of our knowledge, serious infections after lung transplantation (LT) have not been reported.
Methods : We analyzed retrospectively 9 cases of severe infection, sometimes lethal, in 6 LT recipients, observed at one center.
In most of our cases, the strains were amoxicillin resistant. Therefore, the treatment was based on vancomycine or linezolid
Conclusion : Our results indicate that Corynebacteria sp may be responsible for serious infections in LT recipients. Most cases are amoxicillin resistant and require the use of either vancomycine or linezolid.
- © 2014 ERS