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Cutaneous diphtheria masquerading as a sexually transmitted disease
T P Vetrichevvel1, Gajanan A Pise, Kishan Kumar Agrawal
1Department of Dermatology and STD, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry-605 006, India.
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
|April 12, 2008
Summary
This case highlights wound diphtheria presenting as genital ulcers, a rare condition mimicking sexually transmitted infections. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with antidiphtheria serum and penicillin led to a full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are common causes of genital ulcers.
- Atypical presentations of infections can complicate diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old male agricultural laborer presented with a 20-day history of scrotal and genital ulcers.
- Initial presentation mimicked a sexually transmitted infection.
Findings:
- Bacterial cultures from genital ulcers identified Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
- The patient recovered fully after treatment with antidiphtheria serum and penicillin.
Implications:
- This case highlights wound diphtheria as a rare differential diagnosis for atypical genital ulcers.
- Clinicians should consider diphtheria in the differential diagnosis of persistent or unusual genital ulcerations.
- Early recognition and appropriate treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in wound diphtheria.
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