Infection of the skin caused by Corynebacterium ulcerans and mimicking classical cutaneous diphtheria

Extrapharyngeal infections caused by Corynebacterium ulcerans have rarely b een reported previously, and diphtheria toxin production has usually not be en addressed. This case demonstrates that strains of C. ulcerans that produ ce diphtheria toxin can cause infections of the skin that completely mimic typical cutaneous diphtheria, thereby potentially providing a source of bac teria capable of causing life-threatening diseases in the patient's environ ment. Therefore, it is recommended to screen wound swabs for coryneform bac teria, identify all isolates, carefully assess possible toxin production, a nd send questionable strains to a specialist or a reference laboratory.