What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Lymphadenitis
• Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Lymphadenopathy
• Infection due to Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis

What is Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection? (Definition/Background Information)

• Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection is a disease caused by the Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis bacterium. It is commonly found in animals, such as sheep, goat, and cattle, from where the infection is transmitted to humans
• The transmission occurs on physical contact with the infected animals, while handling them (through open cuts or wounds), through raw milk or contaminated meat. The bacteria are also found in the soil or infected manure
• Individuals with certain occupations including grass cutting, sheep herding, meat packing, and veterinary doctors have a high risk. Nevertheless, Infection due to Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis is extremely uncommon in humans
• Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection can cause fever with chills, weight loss, and enlarged lymph nodes that are painful. It can result in complications such as pneumonia, enlarged liver and spleen, and signs and symptoms that last a long duration
• Surgical removal of the affected lymph nodes along with antibiotic therapy is the mainstay of Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection treatment. The prognosis is generally very good with appropriate treatment, but a complete recovery may take time (in some individuals)

Who gets Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection can affect individuals of any age group; some are more at risk than others on the basis of their occupation or proximity to the grazing animals
• There is no gender predilection observed, although men are more likely to be affected than women by nature of their occupation
• All races and ethnic groups are at risk
• This infection is mostly seen in Australia; though, some cases have been observed at other locations such as in the US

What are the Risk Factors for Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk of Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection is high in the following set of individuals:

• Grass cutters
• Hunters
• Sheep herders
• Butchers, meat packers
• Zookeepers
• Veterinary doctors
• Laboratory workers handling infected veterinary samples, or those who visit abattoirs (slaughterhouses)
• Those who drink raw cow’s or goat’s milk
• Individuals with open wounds and handling contaminated meat or other animal products
• Individuals with weakened immune systems exposed to the bacteria

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection? (Etiology)

• Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection is a contagious, zoonotic disease caused by Gram positive bacteria Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (old name Corynebacterium ovis)
• The infection mostly spreads from domestic (grazing) animals such as sheep, feral goats, horses, cattle, and even deer. In the infected animals, skin abscesses and enlarged lymph nodes may be seen
• The transmission occurs when humans come in direct contact with the infected animals and their products (such as through raw unpasteurized milk or raw meat). However, transmission of the infection from infected animals to humans is very rare
• The bacteria can also be found in the soil, hay, and infected manure

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection?

The common signs and symptoms of Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection include:

• Fever and chills, sweating
• Body aches and headache
• Weight loss, loss of appetite
• Swollen lymph nodes that are painful (Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Lymphadenopathy)
  • Sometimes, these may form ulcers and burst
  • This can lead to the formation of painful skin wounds with pus in the lymph nodes (suppurative granulomatous lymphadenitis)
  • The head and neck region lymph nodes are generally affected; but lymph nodes anywhere in body can be affected
  • The inguinal region lymph nodes are generally affected in hunters, grass cutters, and sheep herders
• General feeling of sickness, fatigue; in some individuals, debilitation tiredness can be seen

In many individuals, the signs and symptoms due to the infection may be mild, but can last a long duration of time.

How is Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection requires a complete evaluation of one’s medical history along with a thorough physical exam. The following tests and procedures may be necessary to diagnose the condition:

• Blood tests
• Imaging tests, such as X-rays, or CT and MRI scans, to observe the involvement of lymph nodes
• Culture studies of the affected lymph node
• Lymph node biopsy: A lymph node biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. The pathologist may use special techniques, such as immunohistochemistry stains, to help reveal the presence of the pathogen
• The lymph node biopsy may be performed through any of the following procedures:
  • Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB): A device called a cannula is used to extract tissue or fluid from the lymph nodes
  • Lymph node core biopsy of the enlarged lymph node
  • Lymph node open biopsy of the enlarged lymph node

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection?

The complications from Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection could include the following:

• The bacterium can cause pneumonia (lung infection)
• Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly)
• Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
• The affected lymph nodes may burst and cause draining sinus tract to the skin
• Prolonged signs and symptoms 

How is Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection Treated?

The mainstay of Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection treatment is excision of the affected lymph nodes and supplementing with antibiotic therapy.

• In general, antibiotic treatment is administered first, which can help achieve a cure
• However, if the signs and symptoms of the infection do not get better, then draining the infected lymph nodes or their surgical removal is important. This may help in betterment of the infection and the associated signs and symptoms

How can Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection be Prevented?

Prevention techniques for Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection may include:

• Vaccination: Vaccination of animals can decrease risk of infection in humans
• Protective rearing of animals
• Wearing hand gloves while handling animal, animal products, or animals that are sick
• Isolation of infected animals, until they are completely treated or cured
• Protective clothing should be strictly used at farms, barns, and other areas at high risk for infection
• Workers exposed to domestic or farm animals, such as sheep and goats, should be educated about Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis bacterium (how it spreads, the common signs and symptoms, etc.)
• Drinking, smoking, and eating in animal holding facilities should be avoided
• Pasteurization of milk should be done to prevent infection that may spread through milk and milk products
• Washing hands frequently can reduce the risk of Infection due to Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis

What is the Prognosis of Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis is very good when Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection is diagnosed early and prompt treatment is provided
• Some individuals get slowly better over time with suitable treatment

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis Infection:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/infection-center/