Biotypes of Corynebacterium Diphtheriae

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a nonmotile, noncapsulated, club-shaped, gram-positive bacillus.

Toxigenic strains are lysogenic for one of a family of corynebacteriophages that carry the structural gene for diphtheria toxin, tox.

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is classified into biotypes (mitis, intermedius, and gravis) according to colony morphology, as well as into lysotypes based upon corynebacteriophage sensitivity.

Biotypes of Corynebacterium diphtheriae

McLeod and Anderson classified diphtheria bacilli, based on the colony characteristics on Tellurite medium and other properties like biochemical reactions and severity of disease.

PropertiesGravisIntermediusMitis
Morphology– Short Rods
– Uniform Staining
– Few or no granules
– May be pleomorphic
– Long-barred forms, clubbed end
– Poor Granulation
– Very pleomorphic
– Long Rods
– curved shaped
– pleomorphic
– Prominent granules
Colony on Tellurite Blood Agar≥ 2mm, dull greyish black, opaque colonies, daisy head, brittle, like cold margarine.< 0.5 mm, gray colony, dark center shining surface, frog’s egg colonies≥ 2mm, gray, opaque glossy, smooth surface, poached egg colonies, soft buttery, easily emulsifiable
HemolysisVariableNon-hemolyticUsually Hemolytic
Glycogen and Starch fermentationPositiveNegativeNegative
Antigen Types13440
Fatality RateHighHighLow
ComplicationsParalyticHemorrhagicObstructive
EndemicityEpidemicEpidemicEndemic

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