Cutaneous ulcers in a returning traveller: a rare case of imported diphtheria in the UK. (1st January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nelson, T. G.; Mitchell, C. D.; Sega‐Hall, G. M.; Porter, R. J.
• Is Part Of: Clinical and experimental dermatology. Volume 41:Number 1(2016)
• Page Start: 57
• Page End: 59
• Publication Date: 2016-01-01
• Subjects: Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/ced.12763
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0307-6938

Abstract

Summary: We describe a case of cutaneous diphtheria in the UK, presenting as lower leg ulcers in a returning traveller, and discuss the epidemiology, significance and public health implications of this disease and the therapeutic options available. A 65‐year‐old woman presented with a 6‐week history of multiple ulcers appearing on her legs following a holiday in Kenya. Culture of biopsy tissue grew Corynebacterium diphtheriae . A cascade of therapeutic and public health interventions followed, many of which were terminated once the isolate was confirmed as nontoxigenic. Cutaneous diphtheria is a rare, notifiable disease in the UK, but is common in tropical countries, and is most often seen in the West as a traveller's disease. Corynebacteria are common skin commensals, and without appropriate clinical details, laboratories may not recognize C. diphtheriae / Corynebacterium ulcerans . This is likely to have led to under‐reporting and under‐recognition of the condition.