Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis

Background

• Gram-positive bacillus in the genus Corynebacterium
• Primarily an animal pathogen, causing caseous lymphadenitis in sheep

Clinical Manifestations

• Rare pathogen
• Can cause granulomatous lymphadenitis, typically among farm and veterinary workers

Management

• β-lactam antibiotic plus surgical excision of the lymph node
• Alternatives include macrolides and tetracyclines