Diphtheria in Pakistan post-COVID-19, a potential public health threat: an update

Abstract

Diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable disease, remains a concern in Pakistan as cases have risen post-COVID-19 pandemic causing more than 45 deaths in Pakistan in the year 2022. The respiratory variant of the disease is more common and can lead to serious complications, such as myocarditis and respiratory insufficiency. Diphtheria has caused havoc in the past killing millions of people worldwide before the development of its vaccine. Although the diphtheria toxoid vaccine is effective against toxigenic strains, there have been cases of treatment-resistant strains, particularly the non-toxigenic strains of C. diphtheriae. Pakistan's economic and health systems have suffered setbacks, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has disrupted routine vaccination programs, and recent floods have contributed to an increase in diphtheria cases and rendered millions homeless. Poor immunization services, inadequate training of vaccination teams, and wealth inequality have all contributed to unequal vaccination coverage in Pakistan. The rising cases of diphtheria call for prompt action, including booster shots, updating vaccination records and administering immediate doses of the toxoid to close contacts.