Bloodstream Infection Due to Corynebacterium striatum: Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Corynebacterium striatum (C. striatum), a common skin and mucosal colonizer, is increasingly considered as an opportunistic pathogen causing bloodstream infections (BSIs). This study aim to investigate the clinical features and outcomes of C. striatum-BSI. Methods We included hospitalized cases with C. striatum-positive blood cultures from January 2014 to June 2022 and classified into C. striatum-BSI group and contamination group; Clinical characteristics, treatments and outcomes were compared between C. striatum-BSI group and contamination group, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-BSI and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE)-BSI. Results Fifty three patients with positive C. striatum blood cultures were identified. Among them, 25 patients were classified as C. striatum-BSI, with 21 as contamination cases. And 62 cases of MRSA-BSI and 44 cases of MRSE-BSI were identified. Compared to contaminated group, C. striatum-BSI group had a shorter time to positivity of blood cultures (27.0h vs 42.5h, P = 0.011). C. striatum-BSI group had a longer time to positivity (27 hours) when compared to both the MRSA (20 hours) and MRSE groups (19 hours) (p < 0.05). Appropriate therapy within 24 hours of BSI onset was significantly lower in the C. striatum group (28%) compared to the MRSA (64.5%) and MRSE (65.9%) groups (p < 0.005). The 28-day mortality was higher in the C. striatum group (52.0%) compared to the MRSA (25.8%) and MRSE (18.2%) groups. Conclusions Given the distinct characteristics of C. striatum-BSI, including a longer time to positivity than other gram-positive bacteria and higher mortality rates, we suggest prescribing early appropriate antibiotics if C. striatum-BSI is suspected.