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Diphtheria is a serious and very contagious bacterial
infection affecting the nose and throat. It can also affect other parts of
the body like the skin, kidneys, and heart. It may cause damage to these
areas especially if left untreated.
The symptoms usually appear 2-4 days after infection. These include
hoarseness, sore throat, pain on swallowing, fever, swollen glands in the
neck, and weakness. The individual may also experience difficulty of
breathing due to the presence of a thick, gray covering at the back of the
throat. The bacteria which causes the condition produces a toxin which is
responsible for the thick, gray covering in the throat. It is also the one
which causes the painful swallowing.
The causative organism is called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacteria
is acquired by inhalation of droplets sneezed or coughed out by an infected
person. It can also be acquired from the use of contaminated items or from
close contact with body discharges of an infected person.
There is a high rate of transmission in those people living in unsanitary
living conditions particularly those in crowded areas. Transmission is also
high in immunocompromised individuals, the very young and the very old, and
in unimmunized individuals.
When acquired the bacteria will then attack the mucous membrane lining the
nose and throat and cause inflammation. The inflammation will then spread to
adjacent areas leading to airway obstruction and other symptoms. The
bacteria may release a poison which may cause damage to the vital organs.
Widespread immunization worldwide have decreased the incidence of this
condition. When infected, use of antibiotics can kill the bacteria and
decrease the transmission rate. Use of ventilator for those with difficulty
of breathing is very helpful. Once infected there is a need for isolation to
prevent transmission to susceptible individuals.
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