Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Infectious Diseases > Bacterial > Diphtheria
Diphtheria is an upper respiratory tract illness characterized by sore throat, low-grade fever, and an adherent membrane (a pseudomembrane) on the tonsil(s), pharynx, and/or nose. A milder form of diphtheria can be limited to the skin. It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, an aerobic Gram-positive bacterium.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious disease spread by direct physical contact or breathing the secretions of those infected. Diphtheria was once quite common, but has now largely been eradicated in developed nations. In the United States for instance, there have been fewer than 5 cases a year reported since 1980, as the DPT (Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis) vaccine is given to all school children. Boosters of the vaccine are recommended for adults because the benefits of the vaccine decrease with age; they are particularly recommended for those travelling to areas where the disease has not been eradicated yet.
Signs and symptoms
The respiratory form has an incubation period of 2-5 days. The onset of disease is usually gradual. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, a mild sore throat and problems swallowing. Children infected have symptoms that include nausea, vomiting, chills, and a high fever, although some do not show symptoms until the infection has progressed further. In 10% of cases, patients experience neck swelling. These cases are associated with a higher risk of death. More on [ Diphtheria ]
#baby got his 2nd vaccination shots. Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, Hib, OPV, IPV, and PCV. Slight fever today from the DPT vaccine.
sorend (Soren Atmakuri) Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:34:09 -0000
#baby got his 2nd vaccination shots. Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, Hib, OPV, IPV, and PCV. Slight fever today from the DPT vaccine.
#dogs @MThellfire One of my Iditarod talks focuses on the diphtheria-serum run by dogsled relay to Nome in 1925. Geology isolated Nome!
WriterAM (Anne Millbrooke) Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:35:18 -0000
#dogs @MThellfire One of my Iditarod talks focuses on the diphtheria-serum run by dogsled relay to Nome in 1925. Geology isolated Nome!
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (TDAP) done! That makes five vaccinations in just over a month. Take that, Jenny McCarthy!
rlomidgett (Arlo Midgett) Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:04:41 -0000
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (TDAP) done! That makes five vaccinations in just over a month. Take that, Jenny McCarthy!
Know more about what are the causes of DIPHTHERIA in #Babies http://bit.ly/5h9d28
tenderbabycare (babycare) Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:32:44 -0000
Know more about what are the causes of DIPHTHERIA in #Babies http://bit.ly/5h9d28
Seasonal flu shot and (apparently) tetanus/diphtheria/polio shot have now made both arms a bit stiff. But now I can step on rusty nails!
pgvildys (Paul Gvildys) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:13:34 -0000
Seasonal flu shot and (apparently) tetanus/diphtheria/polio shot have now made both arms a bit stiff. But now I can step on rusty nails!
Five-in-one vaccine for children: ... haemophilus influenza type B (HiB), diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT) .. http://bit.ly/84YYcZ
sheldon1123 (sheldon) Sat, 12 Dec 2009 07:39:45 -0000
Five-in-one vaccine for children: ... haemophilus influenza type B (HiB), diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT) .. http://bit.ly/84YYcZ
An Old Plague Coming Back to Haunt Us: Diphtheria - Approximately 1200 deaths per year have resulted from the ongoing diphtheria epidemic in the former Soviet Union which began in 1990 and is still going strong.
Meta Description: [ When economic crisis hits a country vaccinations are usually the first thing to go. This can have very serious consequences. ]
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Diphtheria - Scientific and medical article.
Diphtheria - Dr. Greene - Information on this childhood disease and immunization against it.
Meta Description: [ Read how a once common childhood illness, a rarity today, can still be contracted. Learn the importance of immunization to prevent this deadly disease. ]
Diphtheria Facts - Includes symptoms, cause, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and prevention.
Kidshealth: Diphtheria - Includes cause, symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and prevention.
Meta Description: [ Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that's rare in the United States and Europe, where health officials have been immunizing children against it for decades. However, it's still common in developing countries where immunizations aren't given routinely. ]
MayoClinic.com : Diphtheria - Features cause, symptoms and signs, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Meta Description: [ Diphtheria — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms of this infection that's preventable with a vaccine. ]
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Diphtheria - Factsheet with symptoms, cause, risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
MedlinePlus: Diphtheria - Directory of articles, news stories, and factsheets.
Meta Description: [ Diphtheria ]
Pediatric Oncall - Presented is a case study of a 1½ years old male patient with diptheria.
Meta Description: [ DIPHTHERIA Pediatric Oncall ]
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