What is Corynebacterium?
Corynebacterium is a genus of bacteria that, for the most part, are not harmful. Certain types of corynebacteria are associated with urinary tract infections, including Corynebacterium pseudogenitalium, Corynebacterium aquaticum and Corynebacterium urealyticum. How Do Infections Form? Corynebacteria are found in nature and are present in foods that are ingested. Normally, many of these and other bacteria are eliminated from the digestive system through the kidneys, ureters and urethra (the urinary tract) when a person urinates. Sometimes, however, the bacteria cling to the opening of the ureter and multiply, causing infection. Injury to the urethra (e.g., during catheter insertion) increases the risk that bacteria will cause an infection. Symptoms Symptoms of a Corynebacterium infection are the same for urinary tract infections caused by other bacteria. They include a burning sensation while urinating, bloody or cloudy urine that has a strong odor, and the need to urinate frequently. H
