
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae that affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. It’s highly contagious and can spread through airborne droplets, contaminated personal items, and touching an infected wound.¹
Symptoms
- Thick, gray membrane covering the throat and tonsils
- Sore throat and hoarseness
- Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in the neck
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Nasal discharge
- Fever and chills
- Tiredness
These symptoms usually begin 2-5 days after infection and can vary depending on the location of the affected membranes.
Types of Diphtheria
- Classical Respiratory Diphtheria: Affects the nose, throat, tonsils, or larynx (voice box)
- Cutaneous Diphtheria: Affects the skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling, often in tropical climates or crowded areas with poor hygiene²
Treatment and Prevention
Diphtheria can be treated with antibiotics and antitoxin. However, prevention is key, and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent diphtheria. The diphtheria vaccine is usually combined with vaccines for tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough).
Complications and Risks
Untreated diphtheria can lead to serious complications, including:
- Breathing Problems: Blockage of air passages
- Heart Damage: Inflammation of the heart muscle
- Nerve Damage: Damage to the nerves, leading to muscle weakness or paralysis
Children under 5 years old and adults over 40 years old are at higher risk of complications and death.
Global Situation
Diphtheria is still a significant threat in areas with low vaccination coverage. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2023, an estimated 84% of children worldwide received the recommended 3 doses of diphtheria-containing vaccine during infancy, leaving 16% with no or incomplete coverage.³
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae that affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. It’s highly contagious and can spread through airborne droplets, contaminated personal items, and touching an infected wound.¹
Symptoms
- Thick, gray membrane covering the throat and tonsils
- Sore throat and hoarseness
- Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in the neck
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Nasal discharge
- Fever and chills
- Tiredness
These symptoms usually begin 2-5 days after infection and can vary depending on the location of the affected membranes.
Types of Diphtheria
- Classical Respiratory Diphtheria: Affects the nose, throat, tonsils, or larynx (voice box)
- Cutaneous Diphtheria: Affects the skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling, often in tropical climates or crowded areas with poor hygiene²
Treatment and Prevention
Diphtheria can be treated with antibiotics and antitoxin. However, prevention is key, and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent diphtheria. The diphtheria vaccine is usually combined with vaccines for tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough).
Complications and Risks
Untreated diphtheria can lead to serious complications, including:
- Breathing Problems: Blockage of air passages
- Heart Damage: Inflammation of the heart muscle
- Nerve Damage: Damage to the nerves, leading to muscle weakness or paralysis
Children under 5 years old and adults over 40 years old are at higher risk of complications and death.
Global Situation
Diphtheria is still a significant threat in areas with low vaccination coverage. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2023, an estimated 84% of children worldwide received the recommended 3 doses of diphtheria-containing vaccine during infancy, leaving 16% with no or incomplete coverage.³
Here are the drugs commonly used for the treatment of diphtheria:
Antibiotics
- Penicillin: Effective against Corynebacterium diphtheriae, but may require larger doses due to increasing resistance.
- Erythromycin: A macrolide antibiotic that is effective against diphtheria and often used as an alternative to penicillin.
- Azithromycin: A macrolide antibiotic that is effective against diphtheria and has a shorter treatment course.
- Clindamycin: A lincosamide antibiotic that is effective against diphtheria, but may have more side effects.
Antitoxins
- Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT): A specific antitoxin that neutralizes the diphtheria toxin and is essential for treatment.
- Equine Antitoxin: Derived from horse serum, this antitoxin is effective against diphtheria but may cause allergic reactions.
Supportive Care
- Oxygen Therapy: May be necessary to manage respiratory complications.
- Hydration: Essential to prevent dehydration and support recovery.
- Rest: Patients may require bed rest to recover from the infection.
Vaccination
- Diphtheria Toxoid: A vaccine that provides immunity against diphtheria and is often combined with tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccines.
It’s essential to note that:
- Antibiotics alone may not be sufficient to treat diphtheria; antitoxin is often necessary.
- Treatment should be initiated promptly, as delays can lead to severe complications.
- Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent diphtheria.
Consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of diphtheria
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae that affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. It’s highly contagious and can spread through airborne droplets, contaminated personal items, and touching an infected wound.¹
Symptoms
- Thick, gray membrane covering the throat and tonsils
- Sore throat and hoarseness
- Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in the neck
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Nasal discharge
- Fever and chills
- Tiredness
These symptoms usually begin 2-5 days after infection and can vary depending on the location of the affected membranes.
Types of Diphtheria
- Classical Respiratory Diphtheria: Affects the nose, throat, tonsils, or larynx (voice box)
- Cutaneous Diphtheria: Affects the skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling, often in tropical climates or crowded areas with poor hygiene²
Treatment and Prevention
Diphtheria can be treated with antibiotics and antitoxin. However, prevention is key, and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent diphtheria. The diphtheria vaccine is usually combined with vaccines for tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough).
Complications and Risks
Untreated diphtheria can lead to serious complications, including:
- Breathing Problems: Blockage of air passages
- Heart Damage: Inflammation of the heart muscle
- Nerve Damage: Damage to the nerves, leading to muscle weakness or paralysis
Children under 5 years old and adults over 40 years old are at higher risk of complications and death.
Global Situation
Diphtheria is still a significant threat in areas with low vaccination coverage. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2023, an estimated 84% of children worldwide received the recommended 3 doses of diphtheria-containing vaccine during infancy, leaving 16% with no or incomplete coverage.³
Here are the ways to prevent diphtheria:
Vaccination
- Diphtheria toxoid vaccine: Get vaccinated with the diphtheria toxoid vaccine, which is usually administered in combination with tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccines.
- DTaP vaccine: Children should receive the DTaP vaccine at 2, 4, and 6 months, with booster shots at 15-18 months and 4-6 years.
- Tdap vaccine: Adolescents and adults should receive a Tdap booster shot every 10 years.
Good Hygiene Practices
- Wash your hands: Frequently wash your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or coming into contact with someone who’s infected.
- Cover your mouth and nose: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid close contact: Avoid close contact with anyone who’s infected with diphtheria.
Environmental Precautions
- Clean and disinfect: Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, toys, and utensils, especially in areas where infected individuals have been.
- Avoid sharing: Avoid sharing food, drinks, utensils, or personal items with others.
Other Precautions
- Avoid travel: Avoid traveling to areas with diphtheria outbreaks.
- Stay informed: Stay informed about diphtheria outbreaks and vaccination recommendations in your area.
By following these prevention measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of getting infected with diphtheria.