Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: Financial Express
Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines for the clinical management of diphtheria, addressing the urgent need for evidence-based practices in response to outbreaks in Nigeria, Guinea, and neighbouring countries in 2023.
- The guidelines include recommendations on the use of Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT) and antibiotics.
- Current treatments involve neutralizing toxins with DAT, antibiotics to prevent bacterial growth, and supportive care to prevent and treat complications.
Diphtheria, a serious contagious bacterial infection, can cause severe respiratory issues and systemic complications, especially in children.
New recommendations from WHO include using macrolide antibiotics (azithromycin, erythromycin) over penicillin antibiotics, not performing routine sensitivity testing before administering DAT, and considering an escalating dosing regimen for DAT based on disease severity and time since symptom onset.
