Corynebacterium

Definition

Corynebacterium is a genus of Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacteria that are commonly found as part of the normal microbiota in various regions of the human body, including the skin, respiratory tract, and urogenital tract.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Corynebacterium species are commonly found on the skin and play a role in maintaining the normal skin microbiota.
2. In the respiratory tract, Corynebacterium species can be part of the normal upper respiratory microbiota, but certain species like C. diphtheriae can cause diphtheria.
3. Corynebacterium species are also found in the urogenital tract and can contribute to the normal microbiota, but some species may be associated with urinary tract infections.
4. Corynebacterium species are generally considered commensal or opportunistic pathogens, meaning they can cause disease in immunocompromised individuals or when the normal microbiota is disrupted.
5. The lipophilic nature of Corynebacterium species allows them to thrive in environments rich in lipids, such as the skin and sebaceous glands.

Review Questions

• Describe the role of Corynebacterium in the normal microbiota of the skin.
  • Corynebacterium species are commonly found as part of the normal microbiota on the skin, where they play a role in maintaining the balance of the skin's microbial community. These bacteria are adapted to the lipid-rich environment of the skin and contribute to the overall health and function of the skin's protective barrier. Corynebacterium species can help prevent the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria and support the skin's immune defenses.
• Explain the potential pathogenic role of Corynebacterium in the respiratory tract.
  • While Corynebacterium species can be part of the normal upper respiratory microbiota, certain species, such as C. diphtheriae, can cause the serious infectious disease diphtheria. Diphtheria is a life-threatening respiratory illness characterized by the formation of a thick, adherent membrane in the throat, which can obstruct breathing. The ability of C. diphtheriae to produce a potent exotoxin is a key factor in the development of diphtheria, and this species is considered an opportunistic pathogen that can cause disease when the normal respiratory microbiota is disrupted.
• Analyze the relationship between Corynebacterium and urinary tract infections.
  • Corynebacterium species are also found in the urogenital tract and can contribute to the normal microbiota in this region. However, some Corynebacterium species have been associated with urinary tract infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or underlying urological conditions. The lipophilic nature of Corynebacterium allows them to adhere to the urinary tract epithelium and potentially disrupt the normal urogenital microbiota, leading to the overgrowth of opportunistic pathogens and the development of urinary tract infections. Understanding the complex interplay between Corynebacterium and the urogenital microbiota is crucial for the prevention and management of these infections.

Related terms

Lipophilic: Describing the tendency of certain bacteria, like Corynebacterium, to require lipids or fatty substances for growth and survival.

Diphtheriae: The species of Corynebacterium that causes the serious infectious disease diphtheria.

Coryneform Bacteria: A group of Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, irregularly shaped bacteria that includes the genus Corynebacterium.