Diphtheria Re-emergence: Problems Faced by Developing Countries

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Diphtheria, a historically significant childhood killer, is largely controlled in developed nations due to vaccination and improved healthcare.
• Developing countries bear the majority of the global diphtheria burden, indicating persistent public health challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze mortality and morbidity trends of diphtheria over 12 years at a tertiary hospital.
• To evaluate the immunization status, microbiological confirmation, and antitoxin serum administration in diphtheria cases.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 52 diphtheria cases over a 12-year period.
• Data collected on patient demographics, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Diphtheria incidence was higher in individuals over 5 years old (59.61%).
• A low percentage of cases (11.54%) were partially or fully immunized.
• The case fatality rate was alarmingly high at 36.53%.

Conclusions:

• The continued occurrence of diphtheria, even in immunized patients, suggests deficiencies in current immunization programs.
• Factors contributing to diphtheria's re-emergence include inadequate immunization coverage, limited availability of antitoxin serum, and antibiotic resistance.