Management and outcome of cutaneous diphtheria in adolescent refugees in Germany, June 2022 - October 2023.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

From September 2022 an increase in Corynebacterium diphtheriae (C. diphtheriae) infections was reported in Europe. Our study focuses on 31 adolescent and young adult refugees with cutaneous C. diphtheriae infections detected in Germany. We examined treatment regimens and outcomes to provide targeted insights into the management of this infection.

Methods

We distributed a standardized survey, focused on children and adolescents presenting to paediatric clinics through the German Paediatric Infectious Diseases Society (DGPI) and additional professional contacts in Germany. Data were extracted from routine medical documentation and reported anonymously.

Results

A total of 31 individuals with cutaneous C. diphtheriae infection were reported by 9 centres. Two of

SUBMITTER: Zink A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11825593 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature