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VOLUME 3 , ISSUE 4 ( October-December, 2021 ) > List of Articles

CASE SERIES

Clinical and Laboratory Profile of Diphtheria Patients and Role of Diphtheria Antitoxin in Recent Outbreak of Diphtheria in Bageshwar District of Uttarakhand: A Case Series

Mamta Nikhurpa, Kuldeep Martolia

Keywords : Diphtheria, Immunization, Vaccination

Citation Information : Nikhurpa M, Martolia K. Clinical and Laboratory Profile of Diphtheria Patients and Role of Diphtheria Antitoxin in Recent Outbreak of Diphtheria in Bageshwar District of Uttarakhand: A Case Series. Pediatr Inf Dis 2021; 3 (4):156-159.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10081-1324

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 27-12-2021

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2021; The Author(s).


Abstract

Background: Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease despite universal immunization programs, outbreaks are reported from many Indian states with low immunization coverage since the last decade. Timely intervention and administration of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) is the mainstay of treatment. Aim material, and methods: In Uttarakhand state, an outbreak of diphtheria in the Bageshwar district was reported in August 2020 which resulted in high mortality due to limited resources, complications, and non-availability of DAT. Here, we describe the clinical-laboratory profile, the outcome of four patients admitted in our hospital who received DAT since October 2020, and also the intervention done by district and state authorities for prevention and early detection of diphtheria outbreaks along with to review the efficacy of the immunization program in the district. Conclusion and significance: Diphtheria is still prevalent in our state; strict epidemiological surveillance for case detection and strengthening of immunization is needful. Timely management with empirical antibiotics with DAT results in a favorable prognosis.


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