Diphtheria

What is Diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It mainly affects the throat and nose, but in some cases, it can also affect the skin. Diphtheria can be deadly if not treated quickly.

The disease spreads easily from person to person, especially in developing countries where access to vaccines is limited. Thanks to vaccination, diphtheria is now rare in many parts of the world, but outbreaks still happen.

Causes and Transmission

Diphtheria is caused by a gram-positive bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It produces a dangerous toxin that can damage tissues in the body.

The infection spreads through:

• Coughing and sneezing (droplet transmission)
• Touching open sores in cases of cutaneous diphtheria
• Using shared items like towels or utensils

The incubation period (the time between exposure and symptoms) is usually 2 to 5 days.

Symptoms of Diphtheria

There are two main types of diphtheria: respiratory diphtheria and cutaneous diphtheria.

Respiratory Diphtheria

This affects the nose and throat. Common symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Fever and chills
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Swollen neck (sometimes called "bull neck")
• Pseudomembrane formation (a thick gray layer on the throat and tonsils)

Cutaneous Diphtheria

This form affects the skin and causes:

• Painful ulcers or sores
• Redness and swelling
• Skin infections

Diphtheria in Children, Adults, and Infants

Diphtheria can affect people of all age groups, but:

• Children under 5 and adults over 60 are most at risk.
• Infants are especially vulnerable if they haven’t been vaccinated.
• In developing countries, lack of booster doses makes older children and adults more susceptible.

Diagnosis of Diphtheria

Doctors usually:

• Check for the pseudomembrane in the throat
• Take a throat swab for lab testing
• Do a skin biopsy in cases of cutaneous diphtheria

Early diagnosis is crucial because the disease can progress quickly.

Treatment and Recovery

How to Cure Diphtheria

• The main treatment is diphtheria antitoxin, which neutralizes the toxin.
• Antibiotics like penicillin or erythromycin are used to kill the bacteria.
• Severe cases may need hospital care, especially if breathing is difficult.

Recovery Time

• With proper treatment, people usually start to recover within a few weeks.
• In some cases, complications like heart problems or nerve damage may occur.

Prevention: The Power of Vaccination

Diphtheria Vaccine

The best way to prevent diphtheria is through the DTaP vaccine, which protects against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis.

Vaccine Schedule

• Given in 5 doses during childhood
• Booster doses are required every 10 years to maintain protection

Vaccination for Travelers

People traveling to areas with diphtheria outbreaks should get vaccinated or check if they need a booster shot.

Public Health and Global Impact

Despite the success of vaccines, diphtheria outbreaks still occur, especially in areas with low vaccination rates.

• WHO diphtheria guidelines recommend routine immunization and rapid response during outbreaks.
• The mortality rate can be as high as 10% without treatment.
• Efforts toward diphtheria eradication continue worldwide through public health programs.

Educational Importance

Understanding diphtheria is important for:

• NEET preparation
• INI CET and other medical exams
• MBBS students
• Courses in microbiology, pathophysiology, and histopathology

This makes it a vaccine-preventable disease that is highly relevant in both clinical and public health education.

Summary