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| Diphtheria |
Diphtheria is a serious and very contagious bacterial infection affecting the nose and throat. It can also affect other parts of the body like the skin, kidneys, and heart. It may cause damage to these areas especially if left untreated.
The symptoms usually appear 2-4 days after infection. These include hoarseness, sore throat, pain on swallowing, fever, swollen glands in the neck, and weakness. The individual may also experience difficulty of breathing due to the presence of a thick, gray covering at the back of the throat. The bacteria which causes the condition produces a toxin which is responsible for the thick, gray covering in the throat. It is also the one which causes the painful swallowing.
The causative organism is called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacteria is acquired by inhalation of droplets sneezed or coughed out by an infected person. It can also be acquired from the use of contaminated items or from close contact with body discharges of an infected person.
There is a high rate of transmission in those people living in unsanitary living conditions particularly those in crowded areas. Transmission is also high in immunocompromised individuals, the very young and the very old, and in unimmunized individuals.
When acquired the bacteria will then attack the mucous membrane lining the nose and throat and cause inflammation. The inflammation will then spread to adjacent areas leading to airway obstruction and other symptoms. The bacteria may release a poison which may cause damage to the vital organs.
Widespread immunization worldwide have decreased the incidence of this condition. When infected, use of antibiotics can kill the bacteria and decrease the transmission rate. Use of ventilator for those with difficulty of breathing is very helpful. Once infected there is a need for isolation to prevent transmission to susceptible individuals. |
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