Diphtheria
- 2. An acute and highly contagious disease causing inflammation of mucous membrane. This also includes the formation of false membrane in the throat which hinders breathing and swallowing.
- 4. The causative organism of diphtheria is Corynebacterium Diphtheriae. It is a gram positive, non motile ,non spore forming, club shape bacillus.
- 5. : Diphtheria usually spread between people by direct contact (or) As a result of exposure through contact with articles that have been contaminated by patient with diphtheria.
- 6. This disease is rare under 1yr of age. The vast majority of cases occur before 10yrs of age children. Adults are not exceptional.
- 7. Signs and symptoms may vary from mild to severe. They begin with a sore throat and fever. In severe cases neck may swell due to large lymph nodes.
- 8. : Symptoms of diphtheria include the following: 1) Fever of 38 degree Celsius or above. 2) Chills. 3) Cough. 4) Headache and vomiting. 5) Difficulty in breathing and swallowing. 6) Bluish coloration of skin due to lack of oxygen. 7) Sore throat.
- 10. Diphtheria can treated with antibiotics such as Penicillin and Erythromycin. In severe cases the patients will be given Diphtheria Antitoxin.
- 11. Quinvaxem is a widely administered pentavalent vaccine which is a combination of 5 vaccines in one that protect infantile children from diphtheria.