After decades of being largely under control, diphtheria — a serious but vaccine-preventable disease — is making an unexpected return in parts of Australia.
About Diphtheria:
It is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can attack the upper respiratory tract and less often the skin.
It is caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make a toxin.
The bacterium usually multiplies on or near the surface of the throat or skin.
There are two main types of diphtheria:
Classical respiratory diphtheria: It may affect your nose, throat, tonsils, or larynx (voice box). It’s the most common type.
Skin (cutaneous) diphtheria: It causes a skin rash, sores, or blisters. They can appear anywhere on your body. Cutaneous diphtheria is more common in tropical climates. Overall, it’s rare.
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 in case of cutaneous diphtheria.
Some people may not develop disease manifestations but can still transmit the bacteria to others.
Treatment:
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.
It is a vaccine-preventable disease, but multiple doses and booster doses are needed to produce and sustain immunity.
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