Bacterial infection of the pharynx and tonsils caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
It is transmitted by direct contact with the skin of the infected person, as well as by contact with secretions from the airways.
It manifests as a sore throat, slight increase in body temperature and inflamed lymph nodes in the neck. It is characterised by the appearance of false membranes made of fibrin that are firmly attached to the pharynx and tonsils, called pseudomembranes.
Diagnosis will be made by taking a medical history and performing a physical examination where a pharyngeal inflammation and attached membranes will be seen.
Medical treatment is based on antibiotics, proper hydration, analgesia and a diphtheria antitoxin. Most patients are admitted to the hospital for an airway, vital signs and neurological status monitoring. The patient must remain in respiratory and contact isolation to avoid transmitting this disease to other people.
- Luis F Barroso, Samuel Pegram. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of diphtheria. UpToDate. Oct 04, 2016.
- Luis F Barroso, Samuel Pegram. Epidemiology and pathophysiology of diphtheria. UpToDate. Feb 24, 2016.
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- Sing A, Heesemann J. Imported cutaneous diphtheria, Germany, 1997-2003. Emerg Infect Dis 2005; 11:343.
- Soriano F. Infecciones por Corynebacterium. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 12º edición: 2265-2269.
