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.

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. ]
404
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 ]
| JANE BURGERMEISTER - CHARGES AGAINST WHO 1 OF 4 | |
| Next Video | |