🦠 Diphtheria – Overview
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the throat and nose, but can also involve the skin and, in severe cases, the heart and nervous system. Diphtheria can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
🧬 Cause
- Caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which produces a toxin that damages tissues.
- Spread through:
- Respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing)
- Close contact with an infected person
- Contaminated objects
- Open wounds or skin lesions
⚠️ Symptoms
🫁 Respiratory Diphtheria (Most Common Form):
- Sore throat
- Low-grade fever
- Swollen neck (bull neck appearance)
- Grayish-white membrane on the throat or tonsils (classic sign)
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Hoarseness
🦠 Skin Diphtheria:
- Painful sores or ulcers on the skin
- May occur with or without systemic symptoms
🫀 Complications (due to diphtheria toxin):
- Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart)
- Paralysis (nerves)
- Respiratory failure
- Death (especially in children or untreated cases)
🧪 Diagnosis
- Throat swab or sample from infected skin to detect the bacteria
- Elek test: Confirms toxin production (used in labs)
- Based on symptoms and contact history
💊 Treatment
- Diphtheria antitoxin: Neutralizes the toxin (must be given early)
- Antibiotics:
- Erythromycin
- Penicillin
- Isolation: To prevent spread
- Close contacts may also receive antibiotics or a booster vaccine
💉 Prevention
- Vaccination is the best prevention:
- DTP / DTaP vaccine (for children) – protects against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis
- Td / Tdap booster (for adults every 10 years)
- Good hygiene and avoiding contact with infected individuals
🌍 At-Risk Populations
- Unvaccinated children
- People in crowded or unsanitary living conditions
- Areas with low vaccination coverage
✅ Key Facts
- Diphtheria is preventable with vaccines.
- It is highly contagious but treatable if caught early.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to reduce complications and mortality.