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Anti-Infective Agents

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ISSN (Print): 2211-3525
ISSN (Online): 2211-3533

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Editorial

The Battle against Diphtheria: Nigeria's Ongoing Struggle

Author(s): Brajesh Kumar Panda, Diksha, Animesh Ranjan and Amandeep Singh*

Volume 22, Issue 4, 2024

Published on: 19 March, 2024

Article ID: e190324228123 Pages: 4

DOI: 10.2174/0122113525300883240229105243

Price: $65

Abstract

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, nonmotile bacillus. Lysogenic strains carry the diphtheria toxin gene (tox) on corynebacteriophages. It's categorized into biotypes and lysotypes based on colony morphology and phage sensitivity. The disease involves the upper respiratory tract, causing symptoms like fever and painful throat, with severe cases forming airway-blocking pseudomembranes [1-3]. Different types of diphtheria exist; incomplete immunization and poor healthcare facilities increase the risk. Diphtheria is treated with diphtheria antitoxin administered intravenously or intramuscularly, along with antibiotics. Timely treatment improves outcomes and reduces transmission. Lifetime immunity is achieved through a three-dose primary series during infancy and booster shots during childhood and adolescence [4].

Since epidemiological week 26, concluding on July 2, 2023, Nigeria has witnessed a significant surge in diphtheria cases spanning multiple states. Between June 30 and August 31, 2023, 5,898 suspected cases were documented across 59 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 11 states. In week 34, ending on August 27, 2023, 234 suspected cases were reported from 20 LGAs in five states, with one laboratory-confirmed case out of 22 samples collected. Among these cases, 18 were linked through epidemiological analysis, and 141 were categorized as clinically compatible [5]. Diphtheria incidence has decreased due to widespread DTaP vaccination in children, but declining childhood immunity necessitates booster shots. Recent outbreaks in some nations emphasize the need to maintain high vaccination rates. In Nigeria, a 2022 outbreak resulted in over 600 tragic deaths and around 14,000 suspected cases, a stark contrast to the 2011 outbreak with only 98 reported cases [6].

In response to the ongoing diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria, the country has implemented several strategies and precautions to combat the disease. Here are the key measures being taken.

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World Health Organization (20 November 2023). Disease Outbreak News; Diphtheria – Nigeria. Available from: Diphtheria-Nigeria (who.int) (Accessed on 13th Feb, 2024).
[8]
Diphtheria Situation Report - Serial Number 01. Available from: https://ncdc.gov.ng/themes/common/files/sitreps/6e63fc0f0876c0306c8eba17fd11ca7f.pdf (Accessed on 22nd July, 2023).
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Diphtheria Situation Report - Serial Number 02. Available from: https://ncdc.gov.ng/themes/common/files/sitreps/0f2332677defbd072e8b797f23a7d0d3.pdf (Accessed on 22nd July, 2023).
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Diphtheria Situation Report - Serial Number 03. Available from: https://ncdc.gov.ng/themes/common/files/sitreps/d6dbbc4af6e2781520043f4aee0c031f.pdf (Accessed on 22nd July, 2023).
[11]
Diphtheria Situation Report - Serial Number 06. Available from: https://ncdc.gov.ng/themes/common/files/sitreps/dd72a93641aa511ab03e74b4661a93c8.pdf (Accessed on 22nd July, 2023).
[12]
Diphtheria Situation Report (Data as of 30th June 2023) - Serial Number 07. Available from: https://ncdc.gov.ng/themes/common/files/sitreps/51c7e65390477af6ee1f6cc4fc6b9a46.pdf (Accessed on 22nd July, 2023).
[13]
Diphtheria Situation Report (Data as of 31st July 2023) - Serial Number 07. Available from: https://ncdc.gov.ng/themes/common/files/sitreps/4f9aa39002d0a3f264ca23191b504c48.pdf (Accessed on 22nd July, 2023).

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