The meaning of Coryne is club . As diphtheria bacillus looks
like club shaped , so it is called . The outer name of diphtheria bacillus is
Klebs-Loeffler’s bacillus
Important members of Corynebacterim diphtheria
1… Pathogenic
a) Corynebacterium
diphtheriae
b) Corynebacterium
ovis
c) Corynebacterium
murium
d) Corynebacterium
pyogenes
2.. Non – pathogenic ( Dipththeroids ) –
a) Corynebaterium
xerosis
b) Corynebacterium
hofmanni
c) Corynebacterium
acnes.
Morphology
i)
Shape – they are slender rods , straight or slightly
curved rods .
ii)
Size – They measures 3 to 5 μ in length and 0.5 to 1.0
μin breadth .
iii)
Pleomorphism – Pleomorphism is frequently encounted ,
short forms and cells are swollen at one end , to represent club , swelling at
the center or at both ends is frequently found . Meta
chromatic granules may be present .
iv)
Arrangements – Arrange singly or in groups , arranged
at angels to each other resembling the letters L, V, Y , combination of these
are likened for Chinese writing .
v)
Degenerated an d disorted form may be present when
culture is continued for more than 24 Hrs .
vi)
Non-casulated .
vii)
Non-sporing .
viii)
Non-flagillated and non-motile .
ix)
Gram positive bacteria .
Pathology produced by Corynebacterum diphtheria----
Corynebacterium diphtheriae will produced
diphtheriae . Infection with C. Diphtheriae occurs most commonly in the upper
respiratory tract and causes sore throat . It is usually spread by droplet
infection . The organim remain localized at the site of the infection from
where soluble exotoxin is absorbed and damages the heart muscle and nervous
system . The lesions of the nervous system is peripheral neuritis giving rise
to paralysis involving mainly the palate , the limbs and accommodation of eyes
. The infection may occur rarely on conjunctiva or the genital tract or it many
ccomplicate wound abrasions or disease of the skin . the incubation period is
two or four days . There types of C. diptheriae may be found like gravis ,
intermedius and mitis of which gravis and intermedius strains are associated
with severe forms . in fatal cases , suprarenals of guineapig show gross
macroscopical changes . Microscopically infiltration and minute haemorrhages
may be found .
