Tertiary Respiratory Center
Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose, but it can also impact the skin and other body parts in severe cases. The hallmark of diphtheria is the formation of a thick, grayish pseudomembrane that covers the throat and tonsils, which can lead to difficulty breathing, swallowing, and even airway obstruction. Diphtheria is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically include sore throat, fever, swollen glands, and general malaise. If left untreated, the toxins produced by the bacteria can cause severe complications, including myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), neuropathy, and in some cases, death.
Management of diphtheria begins with prompt administration of diphtheria antitoxin to neutralize the toxins produced by the bacteria. This is typically given intravenously or intramuscularly and is most effective when administered early in the course of the disease. Antibiotic therapy, usually with penicillin or erythromycin, is also initiated to eradicate the bacteria from the body and prevent the spread of the infection to others. In cases where the airway is compromised by the pseudomembrane, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the membrane and secure the airway.
Prevention and public health management are crucial in controlling diphtheria. Vaccination with the diphtheria toxoid vaccine, often given in combination with tetanus and pertussis vaccines (DTaP for children and Tdap for adults), is the most effective way to prevent the disease. In cases of an outbreak, close contacts of an infected person may receive prophylactic antibiotics and booster vaccinations to prevent the spread of the disease. Public health measures, including prompt identification, isolation of cases, and contact tracing, are essential to prevent outbreaks and control the spread of diphtheria within communities.
