Corynebacterium accolens (formerly known as CDC Group G-1) is a lipophilic species commonly found in the ears, nose, oropharynx, and eyes. It has been implicated in infections of native mitral and aortic valves in people with no predisposition for endocarditis and has been implicated as a possible cause of granulomatous mastitis.
Due to the lipophilic nature, C. accolens tends to grow as pinpoint colonies on initial blood agar and will satellite around Staphylococcus species but is CAMP negative. Agar with Tween 80 (polysorbate 80) will enhance growth. Growth on plates may mimic C. diphtheriae and C. minutissimum.
