Imported Toxigenic Corynebacterium Diphtheriae in Refugees with Polymicrobial Skin Infections, Germany, 2022

Abstract

During August–December 2022, toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae was isolated from 25 refugees with skin infections and 2 refugees with asymptomatic throat colonization at a refugee reception center in Germany. None had systemic toxin-mediated illness. Of erosive/ulcerative skin infections, 96% were polymicrobial. Erosive/ulcerative wounds in refugees should undergo testing to rule out cutaneous diphtheria.

Keywords

• Diphtheria
• cutaneous diphtheria
• skin infection
• toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheria
• bacteria
• refugee