Diphtheria in Children in Northern Haiti

J Trop Pediatr. 2019 Apr 1;65(2):183-187. doi: 10.1093/tropej/fmy021.

Abstract

Infection with Corynebacterium diphtheriae persists in Haiti. Twenty-six children with clinically severe respiratory diphtheria presented to a hospital in northern Haiti during a 3-year period beginning in early 2015. The mortality rate was 50%. Partial or absent vaccinations as well as delayed and limited care contributed to mortality. This cohort offer insights into the multiple challenges involved in preventing and caring for children with diphtheria in resource-limited settings.

Keywords: Corynebacterium diphtheriae; diphtheria; immunization; vaccination.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Cohort Studies
  • Corynebacterium diphtheriae / isolation & purification*
  • Delayed Diagnosis
  • Diphtheria / diagnosis*
  • Diphtheria / drug therapy
  • Diphtheria / microbiology
  • Diphtheria / mortality
  • Diphtheria Antitoxin / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Haiti / epidemiology
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Immunization
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / complications*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / epidemiology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / microbiology*
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • Diphtheria Antitoxin