Cutaneous diphtheria: three case-reports to discuss determinants of re-emergence in resource-rich settings

Emerg Microbes Infect. 2021 Dec;10(1):2300-2302. doi: 10.1080/22221751.2021.2008774.

Abstract

Diphtheria is a re-emerging disease in resource-rich settings. We here report three cases of cutaneous diphtheria diagnosed and managed in our infectious disease department and discuss the determinants of its re-emergence. Migration, travel and vaccine scepticism are key factors not only for diphtheria re-emergence, but for the future of most preventable diseases.

Keywords: Corynebacterium diphtheriae; Corynebacterium ulcerans; Diphtheria; emergence; vaccine scepticism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / diagnosis
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / microbiology
  • Corynebacterium / classification
  • Corynebacterium / genetics
  • Corynebacterium / isolation & purification
  • Diphtheria / diagnosis*
  • Diphtheria / microbiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Transients and Migrants / statistics & numerical data