Respiratory Conditions Diphtheria Causative Agent: Corynebacterium diptheriae (Klebs Leoffler bacillus) Reservoir: MAN is the only reservoir and carriers are rare in vaccinated populations Portal of Exit: discharges of nose, pharynx, eyes, lesions on other parts of the body of infected persons Mode of Transmission: (in)direct contact via carrier, fomites Characteristics: Toxin-producing organism, gram (+ve), non-sporulating, generally aerobic Strains: 3 strains: gravis, mitis, intermedius Predisposing Factors: NT operation, economic status, lack of proper nutrition, inadequate heating facilities, overcrowding Clinical Manifestations: Fatigue, malaise, slight sore throat and elevation of temperature usually not exceeding 38c PSEUDOMEMBRANE Cervical adenitis Entire neck may become swollen with edema extending to the chest BULL-NECK FORM Brassy cough with stridor Nasal diphtheriae; blood-stained nasal discharge Cutaneous diphtheria; small ulcers, often in the legs Types: nasal, tonsillar, nasopharyngeal, laryngeal, wound or cutaneous Diagnostic Exams: Shick test: used to determine the presence or absence of significant antitoxin Swab from nose and throat/other susceptible lesions Virulence test Molony test Loeffler slant Complications: myocarditis, neurologic/renal involvement Management: Medication: Antitoxin: Diphtheria antitoxin administration (IM/IV) Antibiotics: penicillin, erythromycin Nursing Management: Strict rest and isolation Medical asepsis and concurrent disinfection Ice collar Keep mouth and teeth clean Soft food is recommended Watch for signs of complication onset Prevention: DPT immunization Report all cases Minimal isolation of 14 days from onset of disease until 3 cultures from nose and throat return negative — Explained Simply

Learn what Respiratory Conditions Diphtheria Causative Agent: Corynebacterium diptheriae (Klebs Leoffler bacillus) Reservoir: MAN is the only reservoir and carriers are rare in vaccinated populations Portal of Exit: discharges of nose, pharynx, eyes, lesions on other parts of the body of infected persons Mode of Transmission: (in)direct contact via carrier, fomites Characteristics: Toxin-producing organism, gram (+ve), non-sporulating, generally aerobic Strains: 3 strains: gravis, mitis, intermedius Predisposing Factors: NT operation, economic status, lack of proper nutrition, inadequate heating facilities, overcrowding Clinical Manifestations: Fatigue, malaise, slight sore throat and elevation of temperature usually not exceeding 38c PSEUDOMEMBRANE Cervical adenitis Entire neck may become swollen with edema extending to the chest BULL-NECK FORM Brassy cough with stridor Nasal diphtheriae; blood-stained nasal discharge Cutaneous diphtheria; small ulcers, often in the legs Types: nasal, tonsillar, nasopharyngeal, laryngeal, wound or cutaneous Diagnostic Exams: Shick test: used to determine the presence or absence of significant antitoxin Swab from nose and throat/other susceptible lesions Virulence test Molony test Loeffler slant Complications: myocarditis, neurologic/renal involvement Management: Medication: Antitoxin: Diphtheria antitoxin administration (IM/IV) Antibiotics: penicillin, erythromycin Nursing Management: Strict rest and isolation Medical asepsis and concurrent disinfection Ice collar Keep mouth and teeth clean Soft food is recommended Watch for signs of complication onset Prevention: DPT immunization Report all cases Minimal isolation of 14 days from onset of disease until 3 cultures from nose and throat return negative is with clear, accurate explanations at every level. Whether you're a curious kid, a student, or an expert, our AI-powered guide to Respiratory Conditions Diphtheria Causative Agent: Corynebacterium diptheriae (Klebs Leoffler bacillus) Reservoir: MAN is the only reservoir and carriers are rare in vaccinated populations Portal of Exit: discharges of nose, pharynx, eyes, lesions on other parts of the body of infected persons Mode of Transmission: (in)direct contact via carrier, fomites Characteristics: Toxin-producing organism, gram (+ve), non-sporulating, generally aerobic Strains: 3 strains: gravis, mitis, intermedius Predisposing Factors: NT operation, economic status, lack of proper nutrition, inadequate heating facilities, overcrowding Clinical Manifestations: Fatigue, malaise, slight sore throat and elevation of temperature usually not exceeding 38c PSEUDOMEMBRANE Cervical adenitis Entire neck may become swollen with edema extending to the chest BULL-NECK FORM Brassy cough with stridor Nasal diphtheriae; blood-stained nasal discharge Cutaneous diphtheria; small ulcers, often in the legs Types: nasal, tonsillar, nasopharyngeal, laryngeal, wound or cutaneous Diagnostic Exams: Shick test: used to determine the presence or absence of significant antitoxin Swab from nose and throat/other susceptible lesions Virulence test Molony test Loeffler slant Complications: myocarditis, neurologic/renal involvement Management: Medication: Antitoxin: Diphtheria antitoxin administration (IM/IV) Antibiotics: penicillin, erythromycin Nursing Management: Strict rest and isolation Medical asepsis and concurrent disinfection Ice collar Keep mouth and teeth clean Soft food is recommended Watch for signs of complication onset Prevention: DPT immunization Report all cases Minimal isolation of 14 days from onset of disease until 3 cultures from nose and throat return negative breaks down the concept in a way that's easy to understand.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Conditions Diphtheria Causative Agent: Corynebacterium diptheriae (Klebs Leoffler bacillus) Reservoir: MAN is the only reservoir and carriers are rare in vaccinated populations Portal of Exit: discharges of nose, pharynx, eyes, lesions on other parts of the body of infected persons Mode of Transmission: (in)direct contact via carrier, fomites Characteristics: Toxin-producing organism, gram (+ve), non-sporulating, generally aerobic Strains: 3 strains: gravis, mitis, intermedius Predisposing Factors: NT operation, economic status, lack of proper nutrition, inadequate heating facilities, overcrowding Clinical Manifestations: Fatigue, malaise, slight sore throat and elevation of temperature usually not exceeding 38c PSEUDOMEMBRANE Cervical adenitis Entire neck may become swollen with edema extending to the chest BULL-NECK FORM Brassy cough with stridor Nasal diphtheriae; blood-stained nasal discharge Cutaneous diphtheria; small ulcers, often in the legs Types: nasal, tonsillar, nasopharyngeal, laryngeal, wound or cutaneous Diagnostic Exams: Shick test: used to determine the presence or absence of significant antitoxin Swab from nose and throat/other susceptible lesions Virulence test Molony test Loeffler slant Complications: myocarditis, neurologic/renal involvement Management: Medication: Antitoxin: Diphtheria antitoxin administration (IM/IV) Antibiotics: penicillin, erythromycin Nursing Management: Strict rest and isolation Medical asepsis and concurrent disinfection Ice collar Keep mouth and teeth clean Soft food is recommended Watch for signs of complication onset Prevention: DPT immunization Report all cases Minimal isolation of 14 days from onset of disease until 3 cultures from nose and throat return negative

References

1. [1]

   CDC Diphtheria Overview

   The official health agency provides clear, evidence-based facts on the disease.

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2. [2]

   Mayo Clinic Diphtheria Information

   Trusted medical experts explain the condition in an accessible way.

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