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Volume 32, Number 2—February 2026

Research Letter

Severe Respiratory Diphtheria-Like Illness Caused by Toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans

Rita Helleren, Hans Kristian Fløystad, Odd Alexander Tellefsen, Miroslav Boskovic, Terje Skraastad, Anne Torunn Mengshoel, Kristian Alfsnes, and Vegard SkogenComments to Author 
Author affiliation: Sørlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway (R. Helleren, H.K. Fløystad, O.A. Tellefsen, M. Boskovic, T. Skraastad); Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway (A.T. Mengshoel, K. Alfsnes); Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (V. Skogen); University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø (V. Skogen)

Main Article

Figure

Clinical findings from a case of severe respiratory diphtheria-like illness caused by toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans, Norway. A) Pseudomembranes coughed up by the patient on day 1 of hospitalization. B) Pseudomembranes removed by bronchoscopy on day 4 of hospitalization. C) Trachea and carina after bronchoscopy on day 4 of hospitalization. D) Pseudomembranes removed from lower airways via bronchoscopy on day 4 of hospitalization.

Figure. Clinical findings from a case of severe respiratory diphtheria-like illness caused by toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans, Norway. A) Pseudomembranes coughed up by the patient on day 1 of hospitalization. B) Pseudomembranes removed by bronchoscopy on day 4 of hospitalization. C) Trachea and carina after bronchoscopy on day 4 of hospitalization. D) Pseudomembranes removed from lower airways via bronchoscopy on day 4 of hospitalization.

Main Article

Page created: January 21, 2026
Page updated: February 20, 2026
Page reviewed: February 20, 2026
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