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Source-This post on Diphtheria- WHO guidelines for its clinical management has been created based on the article “WHO releases guidelines for clinical management of diphtheria; New recommendations on antibiotics usage issued” published in “FE healthcare” on 14 February 2024.
Why in the news?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently published the guidelines on the clinical management of diphtheria.
About diphtheria
| Aspect | Details |
| Description | It is a serious contagious bacterial infection of the nose and throat. |
| Caused by | Strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make a toxin |
| Symptoms | A thick, gray membrane covering the throat and tonsils, sore throat and hoarseness, swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in the neck and difficulty breathing etc |
| Transmission | 1) It can spread from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing. 2) People can also get sick from touching infected open sores or ulcers |
| Current treatment | 1) It can be treated with medications but in advanced stages, the bacterial infection can damage the heart, kidneys and nervous system. 2) Neutralization of unbound toxin with Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT). 3) Antibiotics to prevent further bacterial growth. 4) Monitoring and supportive care to prevent and treat complications, e.g. airway obstruction, myocarditis. |
What are WHO’s latest recommendation?
1) It has recommended the use of macrolide antibiotics (azithromycin, erythromycin) in preference to penicillin antibiotics.
2) It has recommended that routine sensitivity testing should not be performed prior to administration of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT).
3) It has suggested an escalation in the dosage regimen for diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) based on disease severity. It has also opposed giving fixed dose for all patients.
4) It has suggested to administer antibiotics alongside DAT. The antibiotics treatment should not be delayed.
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