Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 30, 2026

A Suction Blister Protocol to Study Human T-cell Recall Responses In Vivo
Published on: August 11, 2018
[Cutaneous diphtheria after a minor injury in Sri Lanka]
L Berg1, A Mechlin2, E S Schultz2
1Hautklinik am Klinikum Nürnberg-Nord, Prof.-Ernst-Nathan-Str. 1, 90419, Nürnberg, Deutschland. lars.berg@klinikum-nuernberg.de.
Abstract:
Cutaneous dipththeria is an infectious bacterial disease endemic in tropical regions, but rarely diagnosed in Germany. Following travel in Sri Lanka, a 60-year-old German presented to our dermatological clinic with a skin ulcer and extensive erythematous erosive edema of his left foot. Corynebacterium diphtheriae was isolated from a swab of the lesion. There were no clinical signs of toxic diphtheria. The patient was treated with penicillin G and erythromycin, followed by a slow healing of the lesion. The isolated strain could be identified as toxigenic C. diphtheriae mitis. Due to increased travel activity, dermatologists should have uncommon infections like cutaneous diphtheria in mind.
Related Concept Videos
Diphtheria
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions
Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
Staphylococcal Skin Infections
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...

