DIPHTHERIA

Description

• Bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium
• It affects the mucous membrane of throat and nose

Symptoms

• Gray membrane covering your throat and tonsils
• A sore throat and hoarseness
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Rapid breathing
• Nasal discharge
• Fever and chill
• Malaise

Causes

• Corynebacterium diphtheriae have four major strains like:
• Gravis, intermedius, mitis, and belfanti
• Airborne droplets
• Contaminated personal and household items

Risk factors

• Incomplete immunization
• Visit a country that doesn’t provide immunizations
• Immune system disorder, such as AIDS
• Live in unclean or crowded conditions
• Diagnostic Tests
• Physical examination of swollen lymph nodes
• Examination of grey coating on your throat or tonsils
• Skin lesions to isolate organisms

Treatment

• First line therapy- Erythromycin >6 months age
• Second treatment – diphtheria antitoxin
• Lifestyle management
• Vaccine for diphtheria is called D Tap