[Diphtheria in an infant].

A seven week old infant developed pharyngeal diphtheria. The child quickly deteriorated with severe dyspnea and bradycardia. These symptoms made endotracheal intubation necessary. The pharynx and the larynx were covered with pseudomembranes. At the fourth day of hospital stay antitoxin has been administrated. At first the condition of the child became much better. Then progredient paralysis of the diaphragm occurred and led again to intubation. The neurologic complications resolved completely. Diphtheria--above all in an infant--is a rare disease. Our report shows, that it has to be kept in mind to react adequately if necessary. The source of the infection seemed to be visitors from India or Russia. Therefore Diphtheria generally has to be regarded as an "imported disease".