Everything you need to know about Diphtheria

 

  • Diphtheria is a serious infection of the nose and throat.

  • Diphtheria is caused by bacteria called Corynebacterium Diphtheriae which make a toxin called Diphtheria Toxin (DT).

  • Symptoms for Diphtheria are sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, weakness, chills, fatigue, fever, noisy breathing or shortness of breath, rashes, hoarseness or impaired voice, and difficulty swallowing.

  • Long term effects of Diphtheria include; damage to the heart muscle, nerve damage, kidney failure, and paralysis.

  • Yes. Treatment consists of antibiotics and an antitoxin that neutralizes the diphtheria toxin. There is also a vaccine to prevent diphtheria.

Extra Information

 

Diphtheria is very rare with fewer than 20,000 U.S. cases per year.

Diphtheria is derived from the Greek word, diphthera, meaning leather hide.

Diphtheria was first discovered by Edwin Klebs in 1883.

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