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Diseases Caused by Bacteria > Diphtheria

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Estimated time: 8 minutes
CISCE: Class 12

Introduction

Diphtheria is a serious infection that causes severe breathing and swallowing problems and skin sores.

Causative Agent:

  • It is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

Corynebacterium diphtheriae

CISCE: Class 12

Symptoms and Transmission

Symptoms:

  • Difficulty in breathing.
  • Sore throat (pain) and difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia).
  • Fever.
  • Swollen lymph nodes.
  • A characteristic sheet of thick grey tissue covering the back of the throat.
  • Sores on the skin.

Transmission:

  • Spreads through droplet infection (via sneezing, coughing, and spitting).
  • Spreads by touching contaminated objects that have the bacteria on them.
CISCE: Class 12

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment:

  • Administration of a prescribed diphtheria antitoxin to prevent organ damage.
  • Use of antibiotics, such as penicillin or erythromycin.

Prevention:

  • Immunisation/Vaccination.
  • Wearing a face mask.
  • Maintaining proper sanitation.
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Diphtheria

Aspect Diphtheria
Cause Infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Symptoms Sore throat, fever, breathing difficulty, grey membrane in throat
Spread Droplet infection or contact with contaminated objects
Treatment Diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics (penicillin/erythromycin)
Prevention Vaccination, face mask, proper sanitation
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