Cutaneous and pharyngeal diphtheria imported from the Indian subcontinent. Issue 852 (October 1996)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hart, P. E.; Lee, P. Y.; Macallan, D. C.; Wansbrough-Jones, M. H.
• Is Part Of: Postgraduate medical journal. Volume 72:Issue 852(1996)
• Page Start: 619
• Page End: 620
• Publication Date: 1996-10
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/pgmj.72.852.619
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-5473

Abstract

Abstract : We report the case of a 32-year-old woman who presented upon returning from India with cutaneous ulcers on the feet and pharyngitis. Microbiological testing showed the causative organism to be a toxigenic strain of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. She was treated successfully with penicillin and diphtheria antitoxin. This case emphasises the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for such rare but significant infectious diseases.