12 Questions
What is the typical incubation period for respiratory diphtheria?
2-5 days
What is the molecular weight of the diphtheria toxin?
62,000 kDa
What is the local effect of the diphtheria toxin on the respiratory epithelium?
Destruction of the respiratory epithelium with a subsequent inflammatory response
What is the result of the systemic absorption of the diphtheria toxin?
Fatty changes and focal necrosis of the myocardium and other organs
How long may certain chronic carriers shed C. diphtheriae without antibiotic therapy?
More than 6 months
What is the mechanism of action of the diphtheria toxin on cells?
Catalyzes the transfer of ADP-ribosylation of the elongation factor-2, leading to inhibition of EF-2 and arrested protein translation and synthesis
What is the primary site of colonization of Corynebacterium diphtheriae in respiratory diphtheria?
The mucous membrane of the respiratory tract
What is the role of the beta-prophage gene (tox) in toxigenic strains of C. diphtheriae?
It encodes for the exotoxin diphtheria toxin
What is the characteristic finding in tonsillar and pharyngeal diphtheria?
A grayish-white pseudomembrane over the posterior pharyngeal wall and/or tonsils
What is a potential complication of cervical lymphadenopathy and swelling of the soft tissue of the neck in respiratory diphtheria?
Airway obstruction
What is a systemic feature of diphtheria due to dissemination of toxin?
Myocarditis
What is a rare complication of diphtheria?
Endocarditis
Learn about the incubation period, symptoms, and mechanism of action of the diphtheria toxin. Understand how it affects the body and causes disease.
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