The first description of the pathologic characteristics of JK Corynebacterium pneumonia is presented. Occurring in a profoundly neutropenic patient, the pneumonia was characterized by massive fluid exudation in the alveoli with acute hemorrhage, significant proliferation of the bacteria beginning along the alveolar walls, and eventual alveolar wall necrosis. Other cases of JK Corynebacterium pneumonia are reviewed. This report emphasizes that JK Corynebacterium pneumonia has a high mortality

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... should be considered in patients with pulmonary deterioration and blood cultures positive for diphtheroids. (Key words: JK Corynebacterium; Diphtheroids; Pneumonia; Autopsy; Leukemia; Neutropenia) Am J Clin Pathol 1989;91:616-619 REPORTS OF INFECTIONS caused by unspeciated diphtheroid bacilli have peppered the medical literature throughout the twentieth century. These organisms were most often associated with bacteremia, endocarditis, meningitis, and osteomyelitis. In 1969, diphtheroid infections were reported to occur in patients with impaired