Breaking the myth of contamination: Early identification of MDR Corynebacterium striatum using MALDI-TOF in a neutropenic patient

Corynebacterium striatum is a gram-positive curved bacilli included in "diphtheroids". It is now being reported as a significant multidrug resistant nosocomial pathogen in immunocompromised patients. We describe a case of Catheter-related bloodstream infection caused by Corynebacterium striatum in an 86-year-old patient suffering from Acute Myeloid leukaemia. Rapid MALDI-TOF MS based identification of paired blood culture isolates confirmed true CRBSI. Prompt catheter removal and vancomycin therapy led to recovery. This case underscores the significance of MDR Corynebacterium striatum in oncology settings. It further emphasizes the need to identify and test for antimicrobial susceptibility of diphtheroids.