Detection of diphtheria toxin-producing Corynebacterium ramonii in wounds of an urban, inner-city population in Vancouver, Canada, 2019-2023

Abstract

We conducted a retrospective chart review and whole-genome sequencing of specimens with presumptive Corynebacterium ulcerans in Vancouver from July 2019 to July 2023. WGS confirmed 8/14 wound culture isolates as C. ramonii. Two distinct clusters of C. ramonii were identified with clinical presentations similar to cutaneous C. diphtheriae.