Tuesday, May 7, 2024

cutaneous diphtheria

 CDC report on cutaneous diphtheria.

Corynebacterium diphtheriae infections can be caused by toxigenic and nontoxigenic strains. Diphtheria toxoid–containing vaccines (DTaP, Tdap, Td) only protect against toxigenic strains. Nontoxigenic C. diphtheriae infections are most frequently associated with cutaneous disease and are not vaccine preventable. What is added by this report? Review of all Washington nontoxigenic C. diphtheriae cases during a 5-year period revealed that infection prevalence is increasing. Unstable housing and recent illicit substance use were prevalent among patients. Severe disease can manifest as endocarditis and bacteremia.

Half are addicts who inject or high risk. 

erythromycin is used, because some are penicillin resistant

The shot protects from the toxin not the germ.

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