Diphtheria: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
Bacteria strains known as Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which produce a toxin, are the cause of the deadly disease diphtheria. Check this article to know all about Diphtheria.
Jasdeep Bhatia2 Apr, 2024
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The topic “Diphtheria” will be covered in this article. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection with a long incubation period that is most contagious. By creating a foundation layer in the throat, diphtheria irritates the mucous membranes, which causes problems with breathing and gulping down food. Additionally, a bacterial toxin found in the blood can injure nerves. In developed nations today, diphtheria is a rare condition. Even though this illness spreads quickly from one person to the next, it can be prevented using vaccines. Like the covid-19 virus, diphtheria can transmit between humans through the air or direct contact. This article will discuss the factors involving the definition of Diphtheria, types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment & risk factors of Diphtheria.Different Types of Ecological Pyramids
Introduction
The bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheria is the source of the infection known as diphtheria. However, in severe outbreaks, more than 10% of persons diagnosed with the disease may pass away. Most infections are asymptomatic or have a minor clinical course. Mild to severe signs and symptoms may appear, typically two to five days after exposure. Typically, symptoms develop gradually and start with a fever and sore throat. In difficult situations, the neck may acquire a grey or white area. People usually contract diphtheria by direct contact or inhalation. Additionally, tainted objects may spread. Even though they don't show any signs of the sickness, some carriers of the bacterium can still transfer it to others. Different degrees of disease severity are caused by the three primary forms of C. diphtheria. A diphtheria vaccination comes in various formulations and helps prevent the disease. In addition to pertussis and tetanus shots, children should have three to four doses.Digestion Definition And Human Digestive System
Background
Hippocrates first described C diphtheria in the fifth century BC, which is the cause of both endemic and epidemic disorders. The aerobic gram-positive bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheria causes diphtheria, which can present as an upper respiratory tract infection or skin illness. Diseases typically happen in the spring or winter. Without receiving antibiotics, it remains contagious for two to six weeks. Those partially immunised, have low antitoxin antibody levels, and have come into contact with a carrier or sick person are most vulnerable to infection. A person who tests positive for the diphtheria species but shows no signs or symptoms is considered a carrier. The number of instances of diphtheria inevitably declines as the number of asymptomatic carriers decreases.Types of Diphtheria
The two primary varieties of diphtheria are as follows:- Classical respiratory diphtheria: A painful throat, a low-grade fever, and a membrane covering the tonsils, pharynx, or nose are the symptoms of respiratory diphtheria. In cases of severe disease, neck oedema is typically evident. Diphtheria respiratory can cause mortality, heart failure, blood abnormalities, paralysis, coma, and severe breathing issues.
- Cutaneous diphtheria: Any chronic skin lesion may host C. diphtheria and other organisms. Cutaneous diphtheria may manifest as a scaling rash or ulcers with clearly defined margins and membranes. Cutaneous diphtheria with toxigenic strains seems to have fewer systemic effects than other places.
Symptoms of Diphtheria
In the past, diphtheria significantly contributed to illness and fatalities, particularly in youngsters. Before wide recognition and the widespread availability of vaccine, diphtheria caused severe symptoms and macabre nickname "the strangling angel" were attributed to it. The respiratory symptoms of diphtheria typically develop two to five days after exposure to the germs, though the incubation period may last up to ten days. The early stages of a diphtheria infection can resemble those of a typical respiratory infection. The initial symptoms could be slight. However, serious consequences may arise if the condition is not identified and treated. The following list of diphtheria symptoms is general:- Fever and chills
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Fatigue and feeling weak
- Wheezing and difficulty breathing
- Hoarseness and difficulty talking
- Racing heart (tachycardia)
- Nausea and vomiting (more common in children)
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Causes of Diphtheria
One of several strains of the Corynebacterium diphtheria can cause diphtheria (C. diphtheria). Strains that release diphtheria toxin, which is then released in the body, cause most skin and respiratory system infections. A diphtheria patient will become sicker the more toxins are released. Other less prevalent nontoxigenic strains of C. diphtheria can infect people but cause less severe symptoms. When someone inhales droplets from a person with the disease's cough or sneezes, the bacteria that causes diphtheria is transferred. Despite being less frequent, the infection can also be spread by contact with an infected skin lesion or touching something that has come into contact with bodily secretions (such as a sick person's clothing, bedding, or a toy for a kid) or secretions from a wound. Diphtheria is often only transmitted by someone who is ill and exhibiting symptoms. If untreated, a person with diphtheria can spread the illness to others for two to six weeks.Diagnosis of Diphtheria
It is crucial to start treatment as soon as possible if a doctor suspects a patient has diphtheria, even before tests confirm the diagnosis. The infection is so uncommon in affluent countries that many doctors would never encounter a case of it throughout their whole careers. A doctor may swab the patient's throat or a skin lesion if they exhibit symptoms suggestive of diphtheria. The culture will be examined in a lab to determine whether the toxins produced by the bacteria that cause diphtheria are present. Most cases of cutaneous diphtheria in the industrialised world are associated with homelessness or other conditions that make maintaining good hygiene challenging. Additionally, if a person is unvaccinated and travels to a region where diphtheria is still prevalent, they could catch any type of diphtheria (endemic). However, this is uncommon since most visitors from Western nations are immunised.Difference Between Prokaryotic And Eukaryotic Replication
Complications of Diphtheria
- Heart Damage: The diphtheria toxin has the potential to circulate throughout the body and harm various tissues. For instance, it may harm the heart muscle, resulting in consequences such as heart muscle inflammation (myocarditis). Myocarditis may cause severe or minor heart damage. Myocarditis can, at its worst, cause heart failure and unexpected death.
- Breathing Problems: A toxin may be produced by bacteria that cause diphtheria. This toxin causes tissue damage in the infection's immediate vicinity, typically the nose and throat. An unyielding, grey membrane composed of bacteria, dead cells, and other elements develops at that location due to the infection. This membrane may restrict breathing.
- Nerve Damage: Additionally, the poison may harm nerves. Nerves in the throat are frequently the focus because impaired neural conduction can make swallowing challenging. Muscle weakness can also be brought on by irritated nerves that supply the arms and legs.
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Treatment of Diphtheria
When suffering from diphtheria, a patient may be kept from others. The majority of diphtheria patients will require hospitalisation. An individual could need to be admitted to an intensive care unit, depending on the infection's severity and general condition. Very ill people might need to be intubated (have a tube put down their throat) to breathe. All healthcare providers treating suspected or confirmed diphtheria must avoid contracting an infection. The effectiveness of a patient's immune system in battling the condition, the efficacy of treatment, and potential side effects, including heart or kidney damage, may all be determined by additional tests that doctors order. These tests could consist of:- White blood cell analyses via blood testing (leukocytes)
- EKG for heart evaluation
- Neck soft tissue ultrasonography to detect swelling
- Using blood testing to assess heart health
- Tests for kidney function
- Testing urine (urinalysis)
- Depending on a person's symptoms and other health issues, additional testing or monitoring
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Risk Factors for Diphtheria
Diphtheria is uncommon in the United States and Europe because children there receive the vaccine against it regularly. However, diphtheria is still extremely widespread in underdeveloped nations with low immunisation rates. People over 60 and children under 5 are most vulnerable to contracting diphtheria in these nations. Additionally, individuals are more likely to get diphtheria if they:- Are not current with their vaccinations
- Travel to a nation that doesn't offer vaccines
- Having a disease of the immunological system, such as AIDS
- Live in cramped or filthy conditions.
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How is diphtheria transmitted?
People can readily contract diphtheria through direct contact or breathing in respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Infected things and clothing may potentially spread it.
How is diphtheria identified?
A greyish membrane covering the throat is typically required for diagnosing diphtheria. Treatment should begin immediately, even if a laboratory investigation of suspected instances is advised for case confirmation.
How is diphtheria detected?
A diphtheria antitoxin treats diphtheria infection intravenously or through an intramuscular injection. Additionally, antibiotics are administered to stop the bacteria's synthesis of toxins and prevent it from spreading to other people.
Which age group is diphtheria most prevalent in?
Adults over 60 and children under 5 are more at risk for contracting it. People who are malnourished, live in crowded or unsanitary surroundings, and children and adults without the most recent vaccines are also at risk.
What results in diphtheria death?
Because the germs that cause it creates a potent toxin, diphtheria is harmful (poison). The poison destroys the cells in the throat, nose, and mouth. It doesn't take long for the dead cells to accumulate and form a membrane that can cling to the throat and cause choking.
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