Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae
What body system does diphtheria affect?
The bacteria most commonly infect
the respiratory system
, which includes parts of the body involved in breathing. When the bacteria get into and attach to the lining of the respiratory system, it can cause: Weakness. Sore throat.
How does diphtheria affect the skin?
Cutaneous diphtheria is a skin infection
caused by a toxin (poison) produced by a bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae
What are the long term effects of diphtheria?
Damage to the heart muscle (myocarditis) Nerve damage
(polyneuropathy) Loss of the ability to move (paralysis) Kidney failure.
What is the most common complication of diphtheria?
- Respiratory failure due to pseudomembrane formation or aspiration, tissue edema, and necrosis.
- Cardiac – Myocarditis, cardiac dilatation and failure, mycotic aneurysm, endocarditis.
- Rhythm disturbances – Heart block, including AV dissociation and dysrhythmias.
Where is diphtheria most commonly found?
Endemic in many countries in
Asia
, the South Pacific, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Since 2016, respiratory diphtheria outbreaks have occurred in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, Venezuela, Haiti, South Africa, and Yemen.
Can diphtheria be cured?
Before antibiotics were available, diphtheria was a common illness in young children. Today,
the disease is not only treatable but also preventable with a vaccine
. The diphtheria vaccine is usually combined with vaccines for tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis).
What is the main cause of diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a
serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae
that make a toxin (poison). It is the toxin that can cause people to get very sick. Diphtheria bacteria spread from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets
How can diphtheria be prevented?
Vaccination
.
Keeping up to date with
recommended vaccines is the best way to prevent diphtheria. In the United States, there are four vaccines used to prevent diphtheria: DTaP, Tdap, DT, and Td. Each of these vaccines prevents diphtheria and tetanus; DTaP and Tdap also help prevent pertussis (whooping cough).
How common is diphtheria now?
In the 1920s, there were between 100,000 and 200,000 cases of diphtheria each year with 13,000–15,000 deaths. Because of widespread immu- nization and better living conditions,
diphtheria is now rare in the United States
(during 2004–2017, state health departments reported 2 cases of diphtheria in the United States).
What are the typical symptoms of diphtheria?
- a thick grey-white coating at the back of your throat.
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C or above.
- feeling sick.
- sore throat.
- headache.
- swollen glands in your neck.
- difficulty breathing and swallowing.
What is black diphtheria?
The
throat infection
Can you still get diphtheria if vaccinated?
You cannot get diphtheria from the vaccine
. FACT: Diphtheria can be prevented with safe and effective vaccines. FACT: You cannot get diphtheria from the vaccine. infected person’s nose, throat, eyes and/or skin lesions.
How long is diphtheria contagious for?
Untreated patients who are infected with the diphtheria germ may be contagious for
up to four weeks
. If the patient is treated appropriately, the contagious period can be limited to less than four days.
What are the 5 types of diphtheria?
- classical respiratory diphtheria.
- laryngeal diphtheria.
- nasal diphtheria and.
- cutaneous diphtheria (skin lesions).
