Diphtheria is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose leading to the formation of a thick, grayish membrane that can block the airways and make breathing difficult. Diphtheria is a serious disease that can lead to life threatening complications such as heart failure, nerve damage and respiratory failure. Before the introduction of the diphtheria vaccine in the 1920s, it was a leading cause of childhood mortality. Today, thanks to widespread vaccination programs, diphtheria is rare in developed countries but it remains a significant public health problem in many parts of the world particularly in low income countries with inadequate vaccination coverage.
Types Of Diphtheria
There are different types of diphtheria including:
Ocular diphtheria: affects the eyes and can cause conjunctivitis, eye discharge and even blindness.
Nasal diphtheria: affects the nose and can cause nasal discharge, obstruction and bleeding.
Laryngeal diphtheria: affects the larynx and can cause hoarseness, difficulty speaking and respiratory distress.
Cutaneous diphtheria: affects the skin and can cause painful sores or ulcers.
Pharyngeal diphtheria: the most severe form of the disease, affects the throat and tonsils causing the formation of a thick grayish membrane that can obstruct the airways and lead to life threatening complications.
Respiratory diphtheria: affects the respiratory tract and causes symptoms such as cough, fever and difficulty breathing.
Asymptomatic carriage: some individuals can carry the bacterium without showing any symptoms of the disease but can still spread the infection to others.
Symptoms Of Diphtheria
The symptoms of diphtheria can vary depending on the type of infection and the severity of the disease. Some common symptoms of diphtheria include:
Fever.
Sore throat.
Bluish skin color.
Difficulty swallowing.
Weakness and fatigue.
Swollen glands in the neck.
Breathing difficulty or noisy breathing.
Skin sores or ulcers (in cutaneous diphtheria).
Eye discharge or swelling (in ocular diphtheria).
Thick, grayish membrane in the nose, throat or tonsils.
Symptoms of diphtheria can be severe and potentially life threatening particularly in cases of pharyngeal diphtheria. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms especially if you have been in contact with someone who has diphtheria or if you have not been vaccinated against the disease.
Causes Of Diphtheria
Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae which can be spread through respiratory droplets or contact with infected skin lesions. The bacterium produces a toxin that can cause tissue damage and interfere with the normal functioning of organs such as the heart and nerves. Here are the causes of diphtheria:
Toxin: The bacterium produces a toxin that can cause tissue damage and interfere with the normal functioning of organs such as the heart and nerves.
Bacterium: The disease is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
Carrier state: An asymptomatic carrier state can also spread the bacterium to others.
Transmission: The bacteria can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets or contact with infected skin lesions.
Contagiousness: Diphtheria is highly contagious and can spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing or close contact with an infected individual.
Poor living conditions: Overcrowding, poor sanitation and inadequate nutrition can increase the risk of diphtheria transmission.
Low vaccination coverage: People who have not been vaccinated against diphtheria are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.
Diphtheria is highly contagious and can spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing or close contact with an infected individual. People who have not been vaccinated against diphtheria are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.
Diagnosis Of Diphtheria
The diagnosis of diphtheria involves a combination of clinical examination, laboratory tests and microbiological culture. Some of the diagnostic tests that may be used to confirm the presence of diphtheria include:
Swab tests: Swab samples may be taken from the throat, nose or skin lesions to check for the presence of the bacteria.
Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to detect antibodies to the diphtheria toxin or to check for signs of organ damage.
Culture tests: Bacterial cultures may be used to grow and identify the bacteria in the laboratory.
Physical exam: A doctor may examine the throat, skin and other areas of the body for signs of infection such as a grayish membrane, skin sores or swollen glands.
It is important to note that prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing serious complications of diphtheria. If you suspect you or someone you know may have diphtheria, seek medical attention immediately.
Treatment Of Diphtheria
The treatment of diphtheria typically involves a combination of antitoxin therapy and antibiotics. The goal of treatment is to neutralize the diphtheria toxin, control the spread of the infection and prevent complications.
Isolation: Patients with diphtheria should be isolated to prevent the spread of the infection to others.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics such as penicillin or erythromycin are used to kill the bacteria and prevent its spread. Antibiotics are usually given for at least two weeks to ensure that the infection is fully treated.
Supportive care: Patients with severe diphtheria may require hospitalization and supportive care such as oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids and close monitoring of vital signs. Patients with pharyngeal diphtheria may require a tracheostomy to help with breathing if the airways become obstructed.
Antitoxin therapy: Diphtheria antitoxin is a medication made from antibodies that can neutralize the toxin produced by the bacteria. The antitoxin is given intravenously and the earlier it is administered the more effective it is in preventing complications.
It is important to note that early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in preventing serious complications of diphtheria. Vaccination against diphtheria is also highly effective in preventing the disease.
Conclusion
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae which can cause severe damage to the respiratory system, heart and nervous system. The disease is highly contagious and can be transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact with infected skin lesions. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing serious complications of diphtheria. Diphtheria is a life threatening that requires prompt medical attention and preventive measures to control its spread. It is important for individuals to stay up to date with their vaccinations and to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of diphtheria or have been in contact with an infected person.
