Diphtheria

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Causes and mode of transmission

Causes

There are two types of bacteria that can cause diphtheria:

  • Corynebacterium diphtheriae
  • Corynebacterium ulcerans 

Mode of transmission

  • Droplet transmission
  • Close or prolonged contact with an infected person
  • In countries where standards of hygiene are poor, diphtheria can often affet the skin (cutaneous diphtheria). In these cases, the bacterial infection is spread through contact with the infected wound rather than by breathing in infected droplets.
  • You can become infected with Corynebacterium ulcerans after coming into contact with cattle or drinking unpasteurised milk.
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Symptoms and progression of the disease

Symptoms usually begin 2-7 days after becoming infected.

Symptoms include:

  • A high temerature 
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Sore throat 
  • Hoarse voice

If you have diphtheria, a grey-white membrane can develop inside your throat. It covers the back of your throat and tonsils and can obstruct your breathing. The membrane will bleed if you try to remove it.

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Risk of the disease to the person long and short t

Diphtheria can lead to potentially life-threatening complications, such as breathing difficulties and problems with the heart and nervous system.

  • Respitory failure - Diphtheria can cause serious breathing difficulties
  • Myocarditis - Inflammation of the heart muscles
  • Nervous system complications 
  • Parslysis of the diaphragm
  • Bladder problems - Problems with the nerves controlling your bladder.
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The vaccine

Diphtheria is vaccinated against using the 5-in-1 vaccine, refer to the relevant flashcards for the 5-in-1 vaccine.

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