Diptheria

Diphtheria is an illness that mainly effects the upper respiratory tract, caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae (a Gram-positive bacterium), and is contagious by contact with contaminated respiratory secretions. There are two types of diphtheria: respiratory and cutaneous. Respiratory diphtheria involves the nose, throat and tonsils, and cutaneous diphtheria involves the skin. It is life-threatening both from airway obstruction and from effects on the heart and nervous system.

Respiratory diphtheria starts off with a sore throat and low-grade fever and a membrane attached to the tonsils, pharynx, or nose. Neck swelling is a usual occurrence in severe cases of the disease. It can lead to severe breathing problems, heart failure, blood disorders, paralysis, coma and even death.

Cutaneous diphtheria is most often seen among groups of people with poor hygiene who live in crowded areas. Skin infections with diphtheria are common in tropical countries and are even more contagious than respiratory diphtheria. Skin wounds are characterized by a scaling rash, sores or by blisters which can occur anywhere on the body. The infected area may be painful, swollen and reddened. It is treated by thorough cleansing with soap and water and appropriate antibiotics.

Symptoms usually begin 2-7 days after the infection has started, and usually begin in the throat. They include:

* fever of 38°C or above

* chills

* fatigue

* bluish discolored skin

* sore throat and hoarseness

* coughing

* headaches

* pain and difficulty when swallowing

* wheezing

* blood in mucus

* swollen lymph nodes

* cardiac arrhythmias

* myocarditis

* cranial and peripheral nerve palsies

Later, weakness, heart failure, delirium and progressive nervous system deterioration may occur.

Diphtheria may remain manageable, but in cases more severe where lymph nodes in the neck have become swollen, and breathing and swallowing is difficult, it is important that the...