Should we be concerned about diphtheria in the UK?
Diphtheria is a very rare condition in the developed world today with the advent of immunisation. Studies from the populations of England and Wales, however, suggest a recent increase in the number of notified cases. Sore throat due to a tonsillitis is the most common manifestation and can, thus, present to the clinician. It can also present as, or be complicated by, life-threatening upper airway obstruction. This case demonstrates the former and highlights the latter, in an attempt to raise awareness of a condition which may be seen more frequently in the future.
McCluney
N A
NA
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, Scotland, IV2 3UJ, UK.
McKerrow
W S
WS
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004165:Diphtheria / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010400:Penicillin G / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010400:Penicillin G