Fatal septic shock caused by Corynebacterium D2

Background Septic shock remains one of the leading causes of mortality in critically ill patients. Optimal management depends on prompt diagnosis with identification of the causative organisms to allow appropriate antibiotic therapy.Patient We report the first case of septic shock caused by Corynebacterium D2, a micro-organism that can cause encrusted cystitis and pyelitis of transplanted kidneys or, more rarely, native kidneys. Diagnosis rests on identification of risk factors, positive urine cultures, and computed tomography results. Despite optimal treatment our patient died with persistent encrusted pyelitis.Conclusions Corynebacterium D2 is known to cause chronic inflammation of the bladder and proximal urinary tract but can also cause severe septic shock in immunocompetent patients.