3 Questions
What are the symptoms of diphtheria?
Mild sore throat, fever, malaise, laryngeal infections leading to upper airway and bronchial obstruction, and a tenacious grey membrane covering the pharynx.
What is the treatment for diphtheria?
Treatment involves administering horse serum antitoxin from the CDC, removing the membrane via laryngoscopy if airway obstruction is present, and using penicillin, erythromycin, azithromycin, or clarithromycin. Additionally, isolating the patient and conducting 3 negative pharyngeal cultures is recommended. Contact treatment with erythromycin is necessary to eradicate carriers.
How is diphtheria transmitted and diagnosed?
Diphtheria is transmitted via respiratory secretions and is diagnosed through culture tests.
Study Notes
Symptoms of Diphtheria
- Fever (usually mild to moderate)
- Sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck
- Greyish-white membrane in the throat or tonsils
- Coughing or choking
- Skin lesions or rash in some cases
Treatment of Diphtheria
- Antibiotics (erythromycin or penicillin) to kill the bacteria
- Diphtheria antitoxin to neutralize the toxin
- Hospitalization for close monitoring and supportive care
- Respiratory support in severe cases
Transmission and Diagnosis of Diphtheria
- Transmission: through respiratory droplets, close contact with an infected person, or contaminated objects
- Diagnosis: through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests (throat swab or culture)
Test your knowledge of diphtheria with this quiz. Explore the transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this infectious disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
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