Diphtheria Resurgence – A Prospective Study in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

ABSTRACT

Background: Diphtheria was one of the six killer diseases of childhood and was presumed to have been controlled if not eradicated through immunization programme. Emergence of diphtheria once again has challenged our health policies, immunization and public awareness campaign. Stringent measures need to be taken lest the disease is blown out of proportion and control measures fail. Hence, to highlight the resurgence of diphtheria, its repercussion, mitigation activities under taken by the government we have undertaken to pen down this paper. Methods: This prospective study was carried on n= 5  patients included in our study on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Our approach to the diphtheritic patient should be multifaceted and thorough examination and investigation is required by team approach to counter the impact of the toxins released as it starts with Otorhinolaryngological manifestations and terminates with the cardiovascular and neurological complications.  Conclusions: Three major measures are indicated to counter the resurgence of diphtheria i.e. high immunization coverage of target groups, prompt diagnosis and management of diphtheria cases, and rapid identification of close contacts with their effective management to prevent secondary cases.