Unusual source of recurrent Corynebacterium bacteraemia in an immunocompromised patient

Bakhsh, Abdul Rahim Ali; Lewis, Keir Edward

We describe a unique case of a patient with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), with recurring infections during chemotherapy from chronic nasal carriage of non-diphtherial Corynebacterium, who was eventually diagnosed as she presented with neutropaenic sepsis. Identifying (often multiple) sources of infection in immunocompromised patients is crucial but deciding whether multiple organisms, which in health are considered as commensals, are actually pathogenic during vulnerable states—can be clinically difficult. Our case highlights the efforts to correctly identify the actual source of this rare organism and the recognition of its pathogenic potential when other illnesses present. We also review the literature of Corynebacteria in patients with haematological malignancies but believe this is the first case of AML to be infected with Corynebacterium presenting during the COVID-19 pandemic with a probable incidental positive swab for SARS-CoV-2.