A hyperalgesic ulcer on return from Senegal.

Abstract

Diphtheria is an infectious disease transmitted by air or by contact. There are three main species of corynebacterium: diphtheriae, ulcerans, and pseudotuberculosis. They may or may not secrete a toxin responsible for serious cardiac or neurological complications. The frequent clinical presentations are diphtheria angina and cutaneous diphtheria. When it is suspected, it is urgent to send cutaneous or pharyngeal samples to the National Reference Center. If toxin is present, serotherapy should be instituted and the case should be reported. Antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin or azithromycin is the standard treatment. Vaccine prevention begun in the middle of the 20th century has helped to slow epidemics.