CASE SERIES Diphtheria in two Nigerian Hospitals: What is New and the Implications for Control

West Afr J Med . 2023 Jul 28;40(7):769-772.

Abstract

Abstract  in English, French

We recorded three cases of faucial Diphtheria in two Nigerian hospitals between 2021 and 2022. Hitherto, no infections were documented in these hospitals in the prior ten years. All infected children missed their routine childhood vaccinations and presented with reduced feeding, a bull neck and a light yellowish throat or tonsillar pseudo-membrane. Outcome was fatal in the first case after two weeks of antibiotic treatment. Diphtheria anti-toxoids (DAT); were not available at this time in Osun state, Nigeria. Outcome was good in the other two children following treatment with antibiotics and compatible plasma transfusion as an alternative for DAT. The predominant contrasting colour of our reported pseudo-membrane compared to the grey colour dominantly well-known is highlighted. We also proffer Plasma transfusion as an alternative to DAT when unavailable. Disease resurgence from the other associated missed pentavalent vaccines is a potential risk.

Keywords: Diphtheria; Infectious; Paediatric; Re-emerging disease; Vaccine preventable.

O A Oyedeji ¹, F A Olagunju ², J B Ayinde ¹, Y J Osundare ¹, B G Ologun ¹