Diphtheria: another risk of travel.
A 19-year-old woman presented with cellulitis of her foot 10 days after returning from Bali. Swabs of a central necrotic area grew toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae biotype gravis. The patient was treated with parenteral penicillin and made a complete recovery. Diphtheria immunisation should be regularly updated for travellers to the tropics. Clinical and laboratory recognition of this infection is essential for appropriate public health measures to be undertaken.
Antos
H
H
Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
Mollison
L C
LC
Richards
M J
MJ
Boquest
A L
AL
Tosolini
F A
FA
D000328:Adult; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D016358:Contact Tracing; D003353:Corynebacterium diphtheriae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004165:Diphtheria / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000635:transmission; D005260:Female; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors; D014195:Travel
D010406:Penicillins