Diphtheria

About Diphtheria:

• It is a serious contagious bacterial infection of the nose and throat. 
• It is caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make a toxin.
• Transmission:

• It can spread from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing. 
• People can also get sick from touching infected open sores or ulcers.

• The bacteria can also infect the skin, causing open sores or ulcers. However, diphtheria skin infections rarely result in severe disease.
• Although diphtheria can be treated with medications, in advanced stages, the bacterial infection can damage the heart, kidneys and nervous system.
• Symptoms: 

• Typical symptoms of the infection include a sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands and weakness. 
• Within 2–3 from infection, the dead tissue in the respiratory tract forms a thick, grey coating that can cover tissues in the nose, tonsils and throat, making it hard to breathe and swallow.

• Treatments 

• neutralization of unbound toxin with Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT)
• antibiotics to prevent further bacterial growth;
• monitoring and supportive care to prevent and treat complications, e.g. airway obstruction, myocarditis.