Diphtheria can be defined as a chronic infectious disease caused by bacteria which is mainly communicable in nature. Diphtheria causes irritation of the mucous membranes by framing a base layer in the throat, which makes an issue while gulping food and also during breathing. It can likewise harm nerves by a bacterial toxin present in the blood. Presently, Diphtheria condition is uncommon in developed countries. This ailment spreads effectively starting with one individual then onto the next, however, can be forestalled by the utilization of immunizations. Diphtheria may spread among people either by direct contact or through the help of air, exactly like the covid-19 virus.

Diphtheria Symptoms

Diphtheria signs and symptoms, after the infection, appear within a short period of three to five days. To tell you about diphtheria, some people do not feel any symptoms, while in the case of others, they think symptoms like the common cold. One of the most common diphtheria symptoms, which is also visible is grey and thick tonsil and throat covering. A type of diphtheria which includes the skin, eyes or private parts likewise exists. Complications may incorporate myocarditis, irritation of nerves, kidney issues, and problems draining because of low degrees of platelets. Myocarditis may bring about an irregular pulse, and aggravation of the nerves may bring about loss of motion. Analysis can often be shown up of the throat with affirmation by microbiological culture. Past infection may not ensure against future infection chances.

Other usual diphtheria symptoms are:

Fever
An irritated throat
Feeling distressed
Swollen neck
Continuous loud cough.

If the infection continues, diphtheria causes further diphtheria symptoms which include:

Trouble in gulping
Speech slurring
Sweating
Fast heartbeat
Redness and ulcers in that particular affected area.

As a part of diphtheria symptom, fever may be above 38°C (100.4°F). Bluish skin colouration (cyanosis) also can be noticed with foul staining and nasal discharge which is bloodstained.

Diphtheria Treatment

Antitoxin injection is the first step in diphtheria treatment. This injection can be used to lessen the toxin effect, which is produced by the bacteria. Antibiotics, as a diphtheria treatment, is also prescribed by the doctors, which includes penicillin and erythromycin, which helps in clearing the infection. During the diphtheria treatment, patients are highly suggested to stay at the hospitals to spread viruses. In cases that progress past a throat disease, diphtheria toxin spreads through the blood. It can prompt complications which are life-threatening confusions that influence different organs. Harm to the heart brought about by the toxin influences the heart's capacity to siphon blood or the kidneys' ability to clear wastes. It causes nerve harm, in the long run prompting the loss of motion. About 40% to 50% left untreated. So, diphtheria treatment is a significant concern in some cases.

Types Of Diphtheria

There are four types of diphtheria. Those are:

Nasal diphtheria
Cutaneous diphtheria
Respiratory diphtheria
Malignant diphtheria

Diphtheria Prevention

The most effective prevention of diphtheria is the use of vaccines as well as antibiotics. DTaP is the vaccine for diphtheria. A single shot is generally given with vaccines of diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus. But DTaP is given five shots to the children of the ages which include:

Six months
12 to 18 months
4 to 6 years

In rare cases, a child may be allergic to the vaccine, which also results in seizures as well as hives which lasts for a few days from the vaccination date.

For ten years, vaccines last after the age around 12, a child again needs to be vaccinated. A combination shot of diphtheria and tetanus is suggested for the adults, which is also known as tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine.

Diphtheria symptoms can be seen in places having poor hygiene. So, it is highly recommended to maintain proper health by maintaining adequate cleanliness.

Solved Questions

How can we understand if someone has diphtheria?

The determination of diphtheria must be affirmed after a doctor takes a little example of infected material from the patient's throat (or another site) and has the test tried in a lab. But since this ailment advances rapidly, treatment, as a rule, should start giving wellbeing expert's appraisal of the understanding.

Fun Facts

Diphtheria was once the major cause of the death of children in the U.S.
It is seen that 1 out of 10 people generally die due to diphtheria.
It is also said to be an epidemic among the children.
The name comes from the Greek word “diphtheritic” and to explain what is diphtheria, the diphtheria meaning or diphteriate that word is “leather” or “hide” the features around the throat’s coating.

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FAQs on Diphtheria: Complete Guide for Students

1. What is diphtheria and which organism causes it?

Diphtheria is a serious and acute bacterial infection that primarily affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. The causative agent is the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The danger of the disease comes not just from the bacterial growth but from a powerful exotoxin it produces, which can damage tissues throughout the body.

2. What are the main symptoms of diphtheria that a student should know?

The key symptoms of diphtheria, which typically appear 2-5 days after infection, include:

A thick, greyish coating in the throat or nose, known as a pseudomembrane.
Sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
Swollen neck glands, sometimes referred to as a "bull neck".
Fever, chills, and general weakness (malaise).
In severe cases, difficulty breathing or rapid breathing due to airway obstruction.

3. How is diphtheria transmitted from one person to another?

Diphtheria is a contagious disease that spreads mainly through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted by coming into contact with objects that have been contaminated with the bacteria, such as shared utensils or toys. Less frequently, it can spread through contact with infected skin lesions (cutaneous diphtheria).

4. What is the standard treatment approach for a patient with diphtheria?

The treatment for diphtheria must be initiated quickly and involves two main components:

Diphtheria Antitoxin: This is administered to neutralise the diphtheria toxin circulating in the body, preventing it from causing further damage to organs like the heart and nerves.
Antibiotics: Medications such as penicillin or erythromycin are used to kill the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria, which stops toxin production and clears the infection.

5. How does the DPT vaccine work to prevent diphtheria?

The DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) vaccine provides active immunity against diphtheria. It contains a diphtheria toxoid, which is an inactivated form of the bacterial toxin. This toxoid is harmless but stimulates the body's immune system to produce specific antibodies. If a vaccinated person is later exposed to the real bacteria, their immune system can quickly neutralise the toxin, preventing the disease from developing.

6. Why is the toxin from the diphtheria bacteria so harmful to the human body?

The diphtheria toxin is extremely dangerous because it functions by inhibiting protein synthesis within human cells. Once it enters the bloodstream, it can travel to vital organs, particularly the heart muscle (myocardium) and nerve cells. By preventing these cells from creating the proteins they need to survive and function, the toxin leads to cell death (necrosis). This can result in life-threatening complications like myocarditis, heart failure, and paralysis.

7. What is the difference between using an antitoxin and an antibiotic to treat diphtheria?

Antitoxin and antibiotics play two distinct but complementary roles in treating diphtheria. The antitoxin provides immediate, passive immunity by supplying ready-made antibodies that neutralise the toxin already present in the body, but it cannot kill the bacteria. In contrast, antibiotics directly attack and eliminate the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria, thus stopping the source of toxin production. Both are crucial for effective treatment.

8. What exactly is the 'pseudomembrane' in diphtheria, and why is it dangerous?

The pseudomembrane is a hallmark sign of respiratory diphtheria. It is a tough, leathery, greyish sheet that forms over the throat and tonsils. It is composed of a dense mixture of fibrin, dead tissue, bacteria, and white blood cells that have been killed by the diphtheria toxin. This membrane is dangerous because it is firmly attached to the underlying tissue and can grow large enough to obstruct the airway, leading to suffocation and death.