All are true about cancrum oris except -

Answer is 'b' i.e. Follows chronic infection Cancrum oris (also k/a Noma and Gangrenous stomatitis) Cancrum oris is now rarely seen in developed countries, but is still not uncommon in many developing countries. It is a gangrenous process of the mouth, which stas suddenly, rapidly involve the adjacent tissues of the face, quickly becomes well demarcated, and then spreads no fuher. It most often affects one or both sides of the jaw, and occasionally the front of the face (mouth, lips, nose & chin). The gangrenous process may spread to destroy the bones of the face. This disease occurs primarily in severely malnourished child less than 5 yrs of age. Often they have had a preceeding illness such as measels, malaria, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, malignancy or immunodeficiency, which has weakened the general health of the child. The exact cause is not known, but may be bacterial. Fusiformis & Borrelia are largely responsible, but the ds. is not contigious. Untreated cancrum oris is almost always quickly fatal, due to associated illness or a complication, such as septicemia or aspiration pneumonia. Management involves a) correction of general condition b) antibiotics (Penicillin + Metronidazole) c) Excision of the dead tissue d) Plastic surgery Coming to the question, the best choice is option 'b' i.e. follows chronic infection, as the ds. not always follows an infection. The infectious ds deteriorates the general health of the child who becomes susceptible to cancrum oris because of his poor health.