Annals of Clinical Microbiology, The official Journal of the Korean Society of Clinical Microbiology

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Case report

A Case of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Caused by Arcanobacterium haemolyticum and Streptococcus agalactiae

Moon Suk Choi1, Dal Sik Kim1,2, Sam Im Choi1,2, Yong Gon Cho1,2,3, Hye Soo Lee1,2,3

1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School, 2Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, 3Chonbuk National University Hospital Culture Collection for Pathogens, Jeonju, Korea

Corresponding to Hye Soo Lee, E-mail: leehs@jbnu.ac.kr

Ann Clin Microbiol 2012;15(4):143-146. https://doi.org/10.5145/KJCM.2012.15.4.143
Copyright © Korean Society of Clinical Microbiology.

Abstract

Arcanobacterium haemolyticum, a aerobic Gram-positive rod, has been described as an unusual pathogen causing soft tissue infections such as pharyngotonsillitis, chronic ulcer and cellulitis. In addition, the microorganism causes deep-seated infection and systemic disease including endocarditis, vertebral osteomyelitis and sepsis in patients with predisposing conditions such as diabetes mellitus. Since colonies and microscopic findings of A. haemolyticum might be confused with those of streptococci and coryneform bacteria, and it is usually isolated with other microorganisms, it is often considered to be normal flora or a contaminant in wound infections, resulting in missed or delayed diagnosis. Streptococcus agalactiae infections in neonates and pregnant women have been well recognized. However, invasive S. agalactiae infections in non-pregnant older adults with chronic medical conditions, particularly diabetes mellitus, are increasing. We report a case of diabetic foot ulcer due to A. haemolyticum and S. agalactiae in an uncontrolled diabetes mellitus patient. (Korean J Clin Microbiol 2012;15:143-146)

Keywords

Arcanobacterium haemolyticum, Diabetic foot ulcer, Streptococcus agalactiae