Case study: Diphtheria in Loei Hospital between June - November 2012

Abstract

 Diphtheria is a bacterial infection of  upper respiratory tract. It is characterized by fever, sore throat and thick gray membrane that may cause obstruct breathing. The most serious complications are cardiac and neurological involvement due to toxin produced by this toxin producing bacteria.

            This study shows patients with diphtheria in Loei Hospital since June to December 2012. There were 14 cases, 9 were female. Rang from 12 days to 39 years old mean 19 years. All case has sore throat, fever and tonsillar patch. All case received  DAT and antibiotics. 3 in 14 had positive culture and 1 was dead.

            The dead patient immigrated from Laos and had no vaccination. He presented with multiple organs failure, he is receive DAT but did not receive recommend antibiotic. The other were treated with DAT and recommend antibiotics. They had no complication.

            Early diagnosis in suspected patient with fever, sore throat, patch and proper treatment these suspected patient with DAT and recommend antibiotics can decrease severity, complication and mortality rate of this disease.