title: Neurologic manifestations of diphtheria and pertussis.
abstract: Historically, diphtheria was a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the prevaccine era. However, in recent times there has been a resurgence of diphtheria, especially in the newly independent states of the former USSR. Diphtheritic polyneuropathy can be a serious complication in patients who have a severe infection. In patients with pertussis, seizures and encephalopathy can occur as a complication of asphyxia. Vaccination against diphtheria and pertussis in children and booster vaccination in adults is recommended. DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccination has been shown to increase the risk of febrile seizures in children. Currently, it appears that the risk of vaccine-induced encephalopathy and/or epilepsy following DTP vaccination, if any, is extremely low.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurology, Bombay Hospital and Medical Research Centre, KEM Hospital and Seth G.S. Medical College, Mumbai, India. Electronic address: drvsanghi@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Viraj
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sanghi
mesh_terms: D004165:Diphtheria / Q000150:complications* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004168:Diphtheria Toxoid; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D010567:Pertussis Vaccine; D014611:Vaccination; D014917:Whooping Cough / Q000150:complications* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D004168:Diphtheria Toxoid; D010567:Pertussis Vaccine
keywords: DTP vaccine; Diphtheria; autonomic neuropathy; bulbar dysfunction; pertussis; polyneuropathy; whooping cough