Diphtheria Infection (Bacterial Repiratory Infection)

Description

An acute respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It begins by infecting the throat causing a gray-to-black, tough, fiber-like covering, which can block the airway. Involvement of the skin, heart and central nervous system can develop after the throat infection. Life threatening airway blockage and heart arrhythmias can develop. It is an extremely contagious disorder. After exposure to an infected person, the disease usually will develop within 2 to 5 days. The vaccine DPT (diptheria/pertussis/tetanus) for children and DT (diphtheria/tetanus) can help prevent the disease.

Symptoms

Fever, sore throat, difficultly swallowing, noisy breathing (strider), bloody, watery drainage from nose, drooling hoarseness, skin lesions.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. The bacteria can be identified under a microscope either by conducting a gram stain or growing a culture,

Treatment

Anti-toxin against diphtheria should be given early followed by antibiotics. Intravenous fluids, oxygen, cardiac monitoring, and if there is significant airway blockage insertion of an artificial airway for breathing.

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