Fatal diphtheria: A case series showing importance of early diagnosis and treatment

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Anu Sharma

Dr Vaishampayan Memorial Government Medical College, India

: J Virol Antivir Res

Abstract

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Diphtheria is infectious disease caused by toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheria. Despite widespread mass immunization still outbreaks are frequently encountered in India. Although diphtheria has been eliminated from many developed countries by effective immunization, still it continues to be endemic in India and it is leading cause of morbidity and mortality especially border area between two states. The present case series points out cases of diphtheria that were reported from border area of Maharashtra and Karnataka and were referred to our hospital which in tertiary care hospital located in Solapur, Maharashtra, India. This case series points out that endemic focus of diphtheria is present around border region between Maharashtra and Karnataka as many cases have been reported from this area. There is need to have active surveillance in this area to prevent outbreak of diphtheria. Diphtheria if not detected early and promptly treated can lead to significant morbidity and mortality due to life threatening complications. A suspected patient should be isolated to minimize risk of transmission of infection to others. Prompt Anti Diptheric Serum (ADS) administration is mainstay treatment along with supportive care. Apart from management of index case there is need to assess risk and management of contacts to reduce transmission of the disease. Here we report case series of 3 clinically suspected cases with diphtheria from which two survived and one died reflecting importance of microbiological diagnosis on the basis of clinical suspicion along with prompt treatment of patient leading to significant decrease in morbidity and mortality.

Biography

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Anu Sharma has completed MD in Microbiology from Dr.Vaishampayan Memorial Government Medical College, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences. She is currently working as an Assistant Professor from August 2018. She has 15 articles in National as well as international conferences. Her research interest is in infectious diseases.

E-mail: dranusharma2014@gmail.com