Corynebacterium minutissimum

Corynebacterium minutissimum (pronunciation: kor-ee-ne-bak-teer-ee-um min-oo-tis-ee-mum) is a species of bacteria that is part of the normal microflora of the human skin. It is the causative agent of a skin condition known as Erythrasma.

Etymology

The name Corynebacterium minutissimum is derived from the Greek words koryne meaning club, bakterion meaning small rod, and the Latin word minutissimum meaning very small. This refers to the small, rod-shaped and club-like appearance of the bacteria.

Description

Corynebacterium minutissimum is a Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, aerobic bacterium. It is part of the Corynebacterium genus, which includes other species that are also part of the normal human skin flora.

Pathogenesis

Corynebacterium minutissimum is the causative agent of Erythrasma, a skin condition characterized by brown, scaly skin patches. The bacteria produce a substance called porphyrin, which fluoresces coral-red under Wood's lamp examination. This is a key diagnostic feature of Erythrasma.

Treatment

Treatment for Erythrasma typically involves the use of antibiotics, such as erythromycin or clindamycin. Topical treatments, such as fusidic acid or miconazole, may also be used.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Corynebacterium minutissimum
Wikipedia's article - Corynebacterium minutissimum

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Corynebacterium minutissimum