By conducting a molecular characterization of Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains in Australia, we identified novel sequences, nonfunctional toxin genes, and 5 recent cases of toxigenic cutaneous diphtheria. These findings highlight the importance of extrapharyngeal infections for toxin gene-bearing (functional or not) and non-toxin gene-bearing C. diphtheriae strains. Continued surveillance is recommended.
Keywords: Corynebacterium diphtheriae; Corynebacterium infections; Diphtheria; bacteria; bacterial infections; diphtheria toxin; gram-positive bacterial infections; leg ulcer; skin diseases; wound infection.