Questions and Answers
What is the causative agent of diphtheria?
Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria
What is the incubation period of diphtheria?
2-5 days
What is the purpose of antitoxin in the treatment of diphtheria?
To neutralize the toxin produced by the bacteria
What is the name of the vaccine that prevents diphtheria?
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What is the name of the membrane that forms on the tonsils, throat, and nasal passages in advanced diphtheria?
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Study Notes
What is Diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a highly infectious and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
Causes and Transmission
- Caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria
- Transmission occurs through:
- Respiratory droplets from an infected person
- Contaminated food and water
- Direct contact with infected wounds or skin lesions
Symptoms
- Incubation period: 2-5 days
- Initial symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck
- Advanced symptoms:
- Thick, grayish-white membrane forms on the tonsils, throat, and nasal passages (pseudomembrane)
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Swollen, painful neck glands
Complications
- Respiratory complications:
- Airway obstruction
- Respiratory failure
- Cardiac complications:
- Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Neurological complications:
- Polyneuropathy (nerve damage)
Diagnosis
- Confirmed through:
- Bacterial culture of the throat or skin lesion
- PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test
Treatment
- Antibiotics (erythromycin or penicillin) to eliminate the bacteria
- Antitoxin to neutralize the toxin produced by the bacteria
- Supportive care:
- Rest
- Fluid replacement
- Pain relief
Prevention
- Vaccination: DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine
- Good hygiene practices:
- Washing hands regularly
- Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
What is Diphtheria?
- Highly infectious and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
Causes and Transmission
- Caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria.
- Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets from an infected person, contaminated food and water, and direct contact with infected wounds or skin lesions.
Symptoms
- Incubation period: 2-5 days.
- Initial symptoms: sore throat, fever, and swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck.
- Advanced symptoms: thick, grayish-white membrane forms on the tonsils, throat, and nasal passages, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, and swollen, painful neck glands.
Complications
- Respiratory complications: airway obstruction and respiratory failure.
- Cardiac complications: myocarditis and cardiac arrhythmias.
- Neurological complications: polyneuropathy.
Diagnosis
- Confirmed through bacterial culture of the throat or skin lesion, and PCR test.
Treatment
- Antibiotics (erythromycin or penicillin) to eliminate the bacteria.
- Antitoxin to neutralize the toxin produced by the bacteria.
- Supportive care: rest, fluid replacement, and pain relief.
Prevention
- Vaccination: DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine.
- Good hygiene practices: washing hands regularly, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
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Description
Learn about the causes, transmission, and symptoms of diphtheria, a highly infectious and life-threatening bacterial infection.
