What are the symptoms of diphtheria?
Symptoms of diphtheria a thick grey-white coating at the back of your throat. a high temperature (fever) of 38C or above. feeling sick. sore throat. headache.
What toxin does diphtheria produce?
Diphtheria toxin is an exotoxin secreted by Corynebacterium, the pathogenic bacterium that causes diphtheria. The toxin gene is encoded by a prophage called corynephage β….Diphtheria toxin.
| Diphtheria toxin, C domain | |
|---|---|
| Identifiers | |
| TCDB | 1.C.7 |
| showAvailable protein structures: | |
Can diphtheria cause pneumonia?
Certain strains produce diphtheria toxin and can cause a serious condition similar to diphtheria infection (7). This infection has a predilection for the upper respiratory tract; pneumonia caused by C.
How can you prevent diphtheria from spreading?
Strict isolation while you’re contagious helps prevent the spread of the infection. Careful hand-washing by everyone in your house is important for limiting the spread of the infection. Once you recover from diphtheria, you’ll need a full course of diphtheria vaccine to prevent a recurrence.
What is the drug of choice for diphtheria?
Class Summary. Erythromycin and penicillin are both recommended for the treatment of diphtheria. Some studies suggest that erythromycin may be better at eradication of the carrier state. Penicillin is recommended in household contacts who may not comply with the duration of erythromycin treatment.
What is the main method of diagnosing diphtheria?
Doctors usually decide if a person has diphtheria by looking for common signs and symptoms. They can swab the back of the throat or nose and test it for the bacteria that cause diphtheria. A doctor can also take a sample from an open sore or ulcer and try and grow the bacteria.
Who is most vulnerable to diphtheria?
About Diphtheria It mainly affects the nose and throat. Children under 5 and adults over 60 years old are particularly at risk for contracting the infection. People living in crowded or unclean conditions, those who aren’t well nourished, and children and adults who don’t have up-to-date immunizations are also at risk.
What organ is affected by diphtheria?
Diphtheria can infect the respiratory tract (parts of the body involved in breathing) and skin. In the respiratory tract, it causes a thick, gray coating to build up in the throat or nose. This coating can make it hard to breathe and swallow.
Is diphtheria a childhood disease?
What is diphtheria? A common childhood disease in the 1930s, diphtheria is an acute bacterial disease that can infect the throat (respiratory diphtheria) or the skin (skin or cutaneous diphtheria). It is rare today, thanks to the diphtheria vaccine.