title: Cancrum Oris (Noma): The Role of Nutrition in Management.
abstract: Cancrum oris (noma) is caused by the spirocheteBorrelia vincentiin association with anaerobic bacteria, commonly a member of the fusobacteria. The disease occurs in deprived and undernourished individuals with poor hygiene. We present a case of clinically diagnosed cancrum oris in a 2-year old child in sub-saharan Africa that was conservatively managed by wound care and hyperalimentation. As the underlying factor and cause of mortality from noma is the immune depression of malnutrition, the role of active nutrition or hyperalimentation in the management of noma is extremely important.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon.
authors.forename: Elroy Patrick
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Weledji
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon.
authors.forename: Sylvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Njong
keywords: Cancrum oris (noma); Nutrition; Wound care