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- DictionaryDiph·the·ri·a/difˈTHirēə/
noun
- 1. an acute, highly contagious bacterial disease causing inflammation of the mucous membranes, formation of a false membrane in the throat that hinders breathing and swallowing, and potentially fatal heart and nerve damage by a bacterial toxin in the blood. It is now rare in developed countries because of immunization.
Diphtheria is an infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. [2] Most infections are asymptomatic or have a mild clinical course, but in some outbreaks, the mortality rate approaches 10%. [1] Signs and symptoms may vary from mild to severe, [1] and usually start two to five days after exposure. [2]
Oct 6, 2023 · Diphtheria (dif-THEER-e-uh) is a serious bacterial infection that usually affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Diphtheria is extremely rare in the United States and other developed countries thanks to widespread vaccination against the disease.
Apr 6, 2022 · Diphtheria is a contagious infection caused by a bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The bacterium releases a toxin that causes a buildup of grey tissue in your throat, leading to problems with swallowing and breathing.
Respiratory and cutaneous diphtheria are the most common disease presentations. Information on diagnosis, testing, treatment, and prevention of diphtheria. CDC can distribute diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) to healthcare providers to treat diphtheria.
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Jul 12, 2024 · Diphtheria is a contagious disease that is caused by toxin producing bacteria. It can spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Some people may not develop disease manifestations but can still transmit the bacteria to others.
Feb 12, 2024 · Diphtheria is a name for any illness caused by a toxin produced by some strains of C. diphtheriae. Diphtheria toxin, rather than C. diphtheriae, is responsible for the serious effects of diphtheria.
Oct 6, 2023 · Treatment. Diphtheria is a serious illness. Doctors treat it immediately and aggressively. Doctors first ensure that the airway isn't blocked or reduced. In some cases, they may need to place a breathing tube in the throat to keep the airway open until the airway is less inflamed. Treatments include: Antibiotics.
Feb 12, 2024 · Corynebacterium diphtheriae most commonly infect the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat) and skin. If the bacteria make diphtheria toxin, the resulting infection is known as diphtheria. Symptoms depend on the affected part of the body. Respiratory diphtheria is a very serious condition.
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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.
What is diphtheria? Diphtheria is an acute bacterial disease that can infect the body in the tonsils, nose, or throat and/or the skin. While this was a common childhood disease in the 1930s, a vaccine against diphtheria has now made it very rare in the U.S. and other developing countries.
