Several confirmed and probable zoonotic cases of toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans, Queensland, Australia

Authors

  • Vicki G Slinko West Moreton Public Health Unit, Queensland Health, Ipswich, Australia; School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
  • Christine JD Guglielmino Public Health Microbiology, Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services, Brisbane, Australia
  • Alexandra M Uren Metro North Public Health Unit, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
  • James KG Smith Metro North Public Health Unit, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
  • Deborah Neucom Sunshine Coast Public Health Unit, Queensland Health, Maroochydore, Australia
  • Nicolas R Smoll Sunshine Coast Public Health Unit, Queensland Health, Maroochydore, Australia
  • Rikki MA Graham Public Health Microbiology, Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services, Brisbane, Australia
  • Ning-Xia Fang Public Health Microbiology, Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services, Brisbane, Australia
  • Helen V Smith Public Health Microbiology, Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services, Brisbane, Australia
  • Amanda E Armstrong West Moreton Public Health Unit, Queensland Health, Ipswich, Australia
  • Alison A Kenny West Moreton Public Health Unit, Queensland Health, Ipswich, Australia
  • Janet L Farmer West Moreton Public Health Unit, Queensland Health, Ipswich, Australia
  • Catherine A Quagliotto West Moreton Public Health Unit, Queensland Health, Ipswich, Australia
  • Amy V Jennison Public Health Microbiology, Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services, Brisbane, Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33321/cdi.2023.47.53

Keywords:

Corynebacterium ulcerans, Australia, diphtheria toxoid, zoonoses, public health, whole genome sequencing

Abstract

Background

Toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans is an emerging zoonosis globally, causing both cutaneous and respiratory diphtheria-like illness. In Queensland, human infection with toxigenic C. ulcerans is rare, with only three cases reported before October 2015. This case series describes five subsequent cases of toxigenic C. ulcerans in Queensland with links to companion animals.

Methods

All data were collected as part of routine public health response, and strains were whole genome sequenced for further characterisation. Household contacts were screened, treated with appropriate antibiotics, and received a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine if more than five years had elapsed since their last dose.

Findings

No epidemiological or genomic links could be established between any of the five patients, including between the two cases notified from the same locality within eight days of each other. The C. ulcerans strains from Cases Two, Four and Five were closely related to the strains isolated from their respective pets by whole genome sequencing. Domestic dogs were identified as the most likely mode of transmission for Cases One and Three; however, this was unable to be laboratory confirmed, since Case One’s dog was treated with antibiotics before it could be tested, and Case Three’s dog was euthanised and cremated prior to case notification.

Interpretation

These are the first reported Australian cases of this emerging zoonosis with links to companion animals. These cases demonstrate the likely transmission route between companion animals and humans, with no evidence of human-to-human transmission. The existing requirement in the Queensland Health Public Health Management Guidelines, of restrictions on cases and some contacts while awaiting swab results, is currently under review.

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Published

21/09/23

How to Cite

Slinko, Vicki G, Christine JD Guglielmino, Alexandra M Uren, James KG Smith, Deborah Neucom, Nicolas R Smoll, Rikki MA Graham, et al. 2023. “Several Confirmed and Probable Zoonotic Cases of Toxigenic Corynebacterium Ulcerans, Queensland, Australia ”. Communicable Diseases Intelligence 47 (September). https://doi.org/10.33321/cdi.2023.47.53.

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Vol. 47 (2023)

Section

Original article

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