Corynebacterium jeikeium - An unusual cause of meningoencephalitis in a patient with HIV and tuberculosis

Coryneforms other than Corynebacterium diphtheriae are often ignored when isolated from clinical laboratories as in most instances they represent the normal commensals of skin. Corynebacterium jeikeium was initially considered only as commensal, later it was identified as the causative agent for severe sepsis in immunocompromised patients. Here, we present a case of meningoencephalitis caused by Corynebacterium jeikeium in a 30 year old adult male with HIV and tuberculosis co-infection. Serial cerebrospinal fluid from external ventricular drainage had grown Corynebacterium jeikeium which was identified by automated MALDI-TOF system which aided in the timely diagnosis and prompt management of the patient. Keywords: Corynebacterium jeikeium, Meningoencephalitis, HIV tuberculosis co-infection, External ventricular drainage.