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Cutaneous ulcers in a returning traveller: a rare case of imported diphtheria in the UK
Author(s) -
Nelson T. G.,
Mitchell C. D.,
SegaHall G. M.,
Porter R. J.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
clinical and experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1365-2230
pISSN - 0307-6938
DOI - 10.1111/ced.12763
Subject(s) - corynebacterium diphtheriae , medicine , diphtheria , dermatology , epidemiology , public health , rare disease , tropical disease , disease , pathology , vaccination
Summary We describe a case of cutaneous diphtheria in the UK , presenting as lower leg ulcers in a returning traveller, and discuss the epidemiology, significance and public health implications of this disease and the therapeutic options available. A 65‐year‐old woman presented with a 6‐week history of multiple ulcers appearing on her legs following a holiday in Kenya. Culture of biopsy tissue grew Corynebacterium diphtheriae . A cascade of therapeutic and public health interventions followed, many of which were terminated once the isolate was confirmed as nontoxigenic. Cutaneous diphtheria is a rare, notifiable disease in the UK , but is common in tropical countries, and is most often seen in the West as a traveller's disease. Corynebacteria are common skin commensals, and without appropriate clinical details, laboratories may not recognize C. diphtheriae / Corynebacterium ulcerans . This is likely to have led to under‐reporting and under‐recognition of the condition.