Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an upper respiratory tract illness characterized by sore throat, low-grade fever, and an adherent membrane of the tonsil(s), pharynx, and/or nose. It can also infect skin. The disease is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

Diphtheria is rare in the U.S - about 0.001 cases per 100,000 population since 1980. However, before the introduction of vaccine in the 1920s, incidence was 100-200 cases per 100,000 population. Worldwide incidences are shown below.

Diphtheria Hotspots. Cases reported to the WHO between 1997 and 2006.

♦ Over 100 reported cases

♦ Between 50 and 100 reported cases

♦ 1-49 reported cases

♦ No cases reported

Transmission

Diphtheria is highly contagious. It is spread by intimate respiratory and physical contact.

Treatment

Diphtheria can be treated by a special antitoxin or antibiotics. The antitoxin neutralizes the toxin released by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The antibiotics kill the bacterium. Penicillin and erythromycin are the antibiotics often used to treat diphtheria.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA.