ISOLATION OF CORYNEBACTERIUM DIPHTHERIAE IN THE ENVIRONMENT OF SKIN CARRIERS

Belsey, M, A. (Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, La. 70112). Isolation of Corynebacferium diphfheriae in the environment of skin carriers. Amer. J. Epid., 1970, 97: 294–299.—The extent of environmental contamination with Corynebacterium diphfheriae was observed in eight non-case associated C. diphtheriae carrier households in southern Louisiana. C. diphfheriae were isolated from environment (dust, bedding, furniture, clothing, etc.) of three of four households with skin lesion C. diphtheriae carriers, of class rooms attended by one skin lesion carrier, but in neither of the two respiratory carrier households. Domiciliary crowding and the absence of indoor bathing facilities were associated with the frequency of environmental C. diphtheriae isolates. Two episodes of probable fomite transmission were noted.