LatentCorynebacterium acnesInfection of Bone Marrow

EXCEPT for Corynebacterium diphtheriae, apparent involvement of corynebacteria in human infection occurs only rarely, sometimes in serious or fatal form.1 2 3 4 5 The following case of latent bone-marrow infection with C. acnes is considered unique.Case ReportA 40-year-old alcoholic was hospitalized in July, 1968, for psychiatric treatment. In October, he was transferred to the medical service because of anemia.He had no somatic complaints. Except for an abdominal scar related to subtotal gastric resection done in 1950 for duodenal ulcer, physical examination was unremarkable. His weight had been stable during his stay in the hospital. The hemoglobin was 11 gm per . . .