A case of fulminant respiratory diphtheria in a 24-year-old Afghan refugee in Austria in May 2022: a case report.
Infection 2022;
51:489-495. [PMID:
36178603 PMCID:
PMC10042955 DOI:
10.1007/s15010-022-01926-4]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE
Raising awareness of respiratory diphtheria and for the importance of early antitoxin administration.
METHODS
Report of a case of fulminant, imported respiratory diphtheria in an otherwise healthy 24-year-old Afghan refugee in Austria in May 2022.
RESULT
This was the first case of respiratory diphtheria in Austria since 1993. Diphtheria antitoxin was administered at an already progressed disease stage. This delay contributed to a fulminant disease course with multiorgan failure and death.
CONCLUSION
In high-income countries with low case numbers, awareness of respiratory diphtheria and for the importance of early antitoxin administration must be raised.
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