Cutaneous diphtheria from 2018 to 2022: an observational, retrospective study of epidemiological, microbiological, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics in metropolitan France.

ABSTRACT: The incidence of diphtheria has been rising over the past decade, particularly in its cutaneous form. A clinical review of the case series was therefore required. We reviewed the epidemiological, clinical, microbiological and therapeutic data of cutaneous diphtheria cases, in adult patients living in metropolitan France with a skin sample positive for corynebacteria of the diphtheriae complex between 2018 and 2022. Of the 132 cases identified, 63 met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 53.8 years, 68.3% were men and 56.7% had travelled outside mainland France. Immunization rate was 44%. Lesions involved the lower limbs (86.9%), corresponded to ulcerations in 82% of cases. Two species were identified in the study: C. diphtheriae (77%) and C. ulcerans (23%). 39% wer

SUBMITTER: Chene L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11443539 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature