Stained Corynebacterium cells. The "barred" appearance is due to the presence of polyphosphate inclusions called metachromatic granules. Note also the characteristic "Chinese-letter" arrangement of cells. read more
Deaths caused by Corynebacterium Diphtheriae [16] C. diphtheriae is a Gram-positive, aerobic, nonmotile, toxin-producing, rod-shaped bacteria belonging to the order Actinomycetales, which are typically found in soil, but also have pathogenic members such as streptomyces and mycobacteria. read more
Note also the characteristic "Chinese-letter" arrangement of cells. Diphtheria is an upper respiratory tract illness characterized by sore throat, low fever, and an adherent membrane (called a pseudomembrane on the tonsils, pharynx, and/or nasal cavity. read more
In areas where diphtheria is endemic, C. diphtheriae in the nasopharyngeal passageways is common. The exotoxin of Corynebacterium diptheriae is absorbed in the blood which in turn kills, heart, kidney, and nerve cells by blocking protein synthesis. read more