[A woman with cutaneous diphtheria]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology
• Tropical Medicine

Background:

• Cutaneous diphtheria is a bacterial skin infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
• While typically associated with respiratory illness, diphtheria can manifest in cutaneous form, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Travelers to endemic areas are at risk of acquiring infectious diseases.

Observation:

• A 67-year-old female patient presented with multiple, non-healing skin ulcers.
• The patient had recently returned from a trip to the Philippines, an area where diphtheria is endemic.
• Clinical presentation and patient history were suggestive of an infectious etiology.

Findings:

• Bacterial culture and Gram staining confirmed the presence of Corynebacterium diphtheriae in the ulcer exudate.
• The patient was diagnosed with cutaneous diphtheria, a rare form of the disease.
• The ulcers were consistent with the ulcerative lesions described in cutaneous diphtheria.

Implications:

• This case underscores the need for clinicians to consider cutaneous diphtheria in the differential diagnosis of unexplained skin ulcers, especially in patients with a travel history to endemic regions.
• Early recognition and appropriate antibiotic treatment are crucial to prevent complications and transmission.
• Public health awareness regarding vaccine-preventable diseases in travelers is essential.