Authors: Panagiota Xaplanteri, Charalampos Potsios.
Background: The genus Corynebacterium includes Nondiphtherial Corynebacterium species, mostly opportunistic human pathogens. Different virulence factors have been described for, like pili, microcapsule, cell wall structure, pathogenicity enzymes, and toxins. The aim of this article is to quote the major niche factors of Corynebacterium jeikeium, Corynebacterium ulcerans, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, and Corynebacterium amycolatum strains isolated from invasive human infections.
Conclusions: Different components of nondiphtherial corynebacteria can act as potent virulence factors dependent on host-bacterium interactions. Their surface proteins lead to successful colonization of human host cells. Their ability to uptake genes that promote multidrug antibiotic resistance renders them a threat under specific milieu. Identification to species level is also crucial to monitor invasive human infections.
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