[Cutaneous diphtheria imported from tropical countries]

Two cases of imported cutaneous diphtheria from tropical areas are described. Vacationing in the Seychelles, a 29-year-old man injured his left malleolus a few weeks before his return to Switzerland. The wound did not heal and an ulcer developed. Microbiologic investigation yielded toxinogenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae. There were no signs of systemic intoxication. The man had not been vaccinated against diphtheria since childhood. In the second case a 51-year-old woman returned from Thailand and Nepal with two very painful ulcers between the toes of her right foot, which was reddish-coloured. Microbiologic investigation again yielded toxinogenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae and there was no sign of systemic intoxication. Treatment with erythromycin brought about complete healing of the ulcers.