Cutaneous Manifestations of Infection with Corynebacterium Group JK

Multiple necrotic soft tissue lesions were observed in the groin of a granulocytopenic patient with Corynebacterium group JK septicemia. Complete healing followed vancomycin therapy. Review of the English-language literature disclosed that skin and soft tissue manifestations were seen in one-quarter of the patients with Corynebacterium group JK septicemia, all of whom were granulocytopenic; in no case of endocarditis were similar findings reported. The majority of lesions consisted of local infections at sites of previous bone marrow biopsy, intravascular catheter insertion, or perianal fissure; they preceded septicemia and were designated primary lesions. Less often, skin and soft tissue manifestations--including papular skin rash, soft tissue abscesses, and necrotic soft tissue lesions--developed in patients with established septicemia and were considered secondary.