Diptheria Disease

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NSCC: BIO110 – Introduction to Microbiology
Iris Kapaj
Diphtheria

DIPTHERIA

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Name of Pathogen: Bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheria

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Body system affected: Respiratory tract, skin and lining tissues in the ear, eye, and the genital areas. 

If Bacterial: Morphology: Slender pleomorphic rods; often club-shaped

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If Bacterial Gram Stain: Gram positive

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Reservoir: Humans are thought to be a significant reservoir for Corynebacterium diphtheria. It is only found in the mouth, throat, nose, skin, bodily secretions, and wounds of infected persons.
Animals do not easily contract Diphtheria from human beings, and naturally have immunity.

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Mode of Transmission: Can survive only in human beings. Diphtheria spreads by sneezing, coughing from an affected person to a susceptible patient, from person to

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person through close contact with the discharge from an infected person's eyes, nose, throat or skin. The peak incidence is during autumn and winter. The disease is highly infectious and patient remains infected with ability to transmit the germ for two weeks or more. 

Infective Dose: Toxin

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Incubation Time: The incubation period (the time it takes for a person to become infected after being exposed) for diphtheria is 2 to 4 days, although it can range from 1 to
6 days.

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Symptoms of Illness: Diphtheria disease has many sign and symptoms, however in some cases there may be no symptoms. Symptoms usually occur 1 to 7 days after the bacteria enter your body

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Respiratory Diphtheria symptoms:

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Sore throat

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Low-grade fever

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Increased pulse

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Adherent membrane of the tonsils, pharynx, or nose

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Throat obstruction

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Neck swelling

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Enlarged neck lymph nodes

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Difficulty swallowing

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Extreme weakness

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Difficulty breathing

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High fever

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Arrhythmia

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Heart failure

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Muscle paralysis

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