Diphtheria
caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
spread by direct physical contact or airborne drop lets.
Eradicated in developed nations.
Clinical features
Incubation period of 2-7 days.
A disease of childhood.
Clinical features due to
Membrane (local)
Exotoxin (systemic)
Clinical features
Nasal diphtheria, Pharyngeal diphtheria, Laryngeal diphtheria cutaneous diphtheria.
Fatigue, fever, a mild sore throat and problems swallowing.
Children - nausea, vomiting, chills, and a high fever.
Toxin released by the bacterium – (generalized) listlessness, pallor, and fast heart rate, Low blood pressure may develop.
Diagnosis
Clinical criteria
Upper respiratory tract illness with sore throat
Low-grade fever, and
adherent membrane of the tonsil(s), arynx, and/or nose.
Isolation of Corynebacterium diphtheriae from a clinical specimen, or
Histopathologic diagnosis of diphtheria.
Treatment
immediate medical attention - severe cases lymph nodes in the neck may swell, and breathing and swallowing will be more difficult.
diphtheria anti-toxin
Antibiotics are used in patients.
All contact – get throat swabs if positive treat.
Carriers to eradicate C. diphtheriae and prevent its transmission to others