SEVERE DIPHTHERIA: A CASE SERIES ADMITTED THE NATIONAL HOSPITAL FOR TROPICAL DISEASES

Van Manh Phan, Van Bac Tran, Trung Cap Nguyen

Main Article Content

Abstract

Diphtheria is an acute infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Corynebacterium. Currently,
the disease is re-emerging with two main forms: Laryngeal diphtheria and throat diphtheria. Strains of
diphtheria bacteria that produce exotoxins can cause severe complications in the heart, kidney, and nerve
with high mortality rates. In the past, diphtheria used to be a common cause of death in children. Recently,
diphtheria reappeared in some regions of Vietnam such as the Central Highlands and Ha Giang. In 2023, many cases of severe diphtheria from the Northern provinces were admitted to the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases, and some cases died. In this report, we describe some cases of severe diphtheria and review the medical literature on complications and treatment of diphtheria.

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References

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