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Apr 9, 2024 · Key facts. Diphtheria is a disease caused by a bacterium that affects the upper respiratory tract and less often the skin. It also produces a toxin that damages the heart and the nerves. Diphtheria is a vaccine preventable disease, but multiple doses and booster doses are needed to produce and sustain immunity.
Apr 6, 2022 · Diphtheria is a highly contagious, infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. People with diphtheria have serious breathing and swallowing problems, and they may develop sores on their skin. Due to a successful vaccine and improved living conditions, diphtheria is no longer prevalent in the United States.
Oct 6, 2023 · Treatment. Self care. Preparing for your appointment. Diagnosis. Doctors may suspect diphtheria in a sick child who has a sore throat with a gray membrane covering the tonsils and throat. Growth of C. diphtheriae in a lab culture of material from the throat membrane confirms the diagnosis.
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Sep 18, 2023 · Diphtheria is an infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Signs and symptoms usually start 2 – 5 days after exposure and range from mild to severe. Symptoms often come on gradually, beginning with a sore throat and fever.
CDC. Diphtheria Home. About Diphtheria. Signs and Symptoms. Español (Spanish) | Print. Diphtheria can infect the respiratory tract (parts of the body involved in breathing) and skin. Symptoms of diphtheria depend on the body part that is affected. People who are exposed to diphtheria usually start having symptoms in 2–5 days if they get sick.
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Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of the bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae which makes a toxin. The toxin attaches itself most commonly to tissues in the respiratory system and causes disease by killing healthy tissue. Typical symptoms of the infection include a sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands and weakness.
Prevention |. More Information. Diphtheria is a contagious, sometimes fatal infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by the gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria (see figure ) Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Some types of Corynebacterium diphtheriae release a potent toxin that can damage the heart, kidneys, and nervous system.
