A case of fulminant respiratory diphtheria in a 24-year-old Afghan refugee in Austria in May 2022: a case report

Purpose Raising awareness of respiratory diphtheria and for the importance of early antitoxin administration. Methods Report of a case of fulminant, imported respiratory diphtheria in an otherwise healthy 24-year-old Afghan refugee in Austria in May 2022. Result This was the first case of respiratory diphtheria in Austria since 1993. Diphtheria antitoxin was administered at an already progressed disease stage. This delay contributed to a fulminant disease course with multiorgan failure and death. Conclusion In high-income countries with low case numbers, awareness of respiratory diphtheria and for the importance of early antitoxin administration must be raised.

Automated summary

This study reported a case of respiratory diphtheria in a young Afghan refugee in Austria. Delayed administration of antitoxin resulted in a fulminant disease course and death. The study emphasizes the importance of raising awareness of respiratory diphtheria and the need for early antitoxin administration in countries with low case numbers.