title: Diphtheroids as a cause of endocarditis in a haemodialysis patient.
abstract: The authors report a fatal case of Corynebacterium sp. endocarditis. Corynebacterium spp. are non-sporulating, pleomorphic Gram-positive bacilli. In particular the authors have identified a species of Corynebacterium very closely related to C striatum. This is C simulans. The authors were able to identify the genus and species using various phenotypic tests. Highlighted here is the importance of identifying diphtheroids as a significant pathogen in the appropriate setting and the need to start antibiotic therapy if this is suspected.
authors.affiliation: Microbiology Department, University Hospital Of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica. rpnagassar@gmail.com
authors.forename: Rajeev Peeyush
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Nagassar
authors.forename: Alison Merle
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Nicholson
authors.forename: Winston
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Roma Jaanki
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Bridgelal-Nagassar
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003354:Corynebacterium Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004452:Echocardiography; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents