Diphtheria treatments

Diphtheria is a serious, sometimes deadly It can bring on It’s highly contagious. It spreads easily from person to person, either through the air in small droplets or on surfaces. But diphtheria is still a common problem in many countries around the world. What Causes Diphtheria? A type of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae causes it. This bacteria is unique because it makes a toxin that kills your cells. That makes diphtheria deadlier than some other types of bacterial infections. The bacteria usually spreads through droplets that fly out of your nose or Some people also catch diphtheria by touching an infected person’s used hand towels, tissues, or any of their other things around the house that might hold the bacteria. You could get diphtheria by touching an infected person’s open sore or ulcer, too. People with diphtheria are highly contagious until 48 hours after they start getting antibiotic treatment. It’s also possible to get the bacteria from someone who’s infected but doesn’t have any symptoms. Doctors call this person a “carrier.” Carriers can spread the infection to others for up to 4 weeks. If you catch diphtheria from a carrier, the bacteria can still turn into a serious infection, even though it was spread by someone who felt fine. What Makes You More Likely to Get Diphtheria? In the U.S., you’re only at risk for the disease if you haven’t gotten the diphtheria There are still many countries around the world, though, where diphtheria is common due t...

cutaneous diphtheria What is cutaneous diphtheria? Diphtheria is a bacterial infectioncaused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and C. ulcerans, gram-positive bacilli. It generally affects the respiratory system and can also affect the skin. Although infection with C. diphtheriae can be prevented by vaccination and is very rare in countries with an immunisation programme, C. ulcerans infection is not prevented by vaccination, and is an emerging zoonotic pathogen. Cutaneous diphtheria presents as a slow-healing ulcer. Corynebacterium diphtheriae Who gets cutaneous diphtheria? Cutaneous diphtheria typically occurs in tropical areas where C. diphtheria is endemic, including in: • Asia • Africa • The South Pacific • The Middle East • The Caribbean • Southern USA. In developed countries, cutaneous diphtheria most commonly presents in unvaccinated individuals following travel to an endemic area, or has been contracted from domesticated pets or wild animals. Outbreaks of cutaneous diphtheria have been reported in disadvantaged communities living in overcrowded conditions with poor access to sanitary facilities and healthcare. Transmission of C. diphtheriae is thought to occur via direct contact with infected skin and contaminated dressings. Cutaneous diphtheria has also been reported after traditional tattooing. What causes cutaneous diphtheria? Cutaneous diphtheria is caused by infection with Corynebacterium diphtheriae and the zoonotic Corynebacterium ulcerans, which is the predom...

Diphtheria What is diphtheria? Diphtheria is an illness caused by bacteria. There are two types: • Respiratory diphtheria. This type affects the throat, nose, and tonsils. • Skin (cutaneous) diphtheria. This type affects the skin. It was a common childhood disease in the past. A vaccine against diphtheria has now made it very rare in the U.S. and other developed countries. How to say it dihf-THEE-ree-yuh What causes diphtheria? The illness is caused by bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheria. These bacteria can enter the body through the nose and mouth. This causes respiratory diphtheria. It's spread from person to person by breathing in droplets that contain diphtheria bacteria when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria can also enter through a break in the skin. This can cause skin diphtheria. After being exposed to the bacteria, it often takes 2 to 4 days for symptoms to start. What are the symptoms of diphtheria? Symptoms may be a bit different for each person. The most common symptoms are below. Respiratory diphtheria. When a person is infected with diphtheria, the bacteria often grow in the throat. A membrane may form over the throat and tonsils. This causes a sore throat. Other symptoms may include: • Trouble breathing because of the membrane • Husky voice • Enlarged lymph glands • Fast heart rate • A harsh or high-pitched breathing sound (stridor) due to narrowing of the upper airways • Nasal drainage • Swelling of the roof of the mouth • Sore throa...