DIPHTHERIA

Diphtheria - Corynebacterium diphtheriae

Ø  Gram positive. bacillus

Ø  Virulence:  potent dermo-necrotic exotoxin (due to lysogenic prophage ® lysogenic conversion)

Ø  Transmission:  URT secretions - droplet nuclei.  Adult carriers.

Ø  P/E:  Nasal passage.  Localizes in pharynx

Ø  Disease:  Incubation period. 2 - 5 days.  Secretes exotoxin ® necrosis superficial tissues ® ulceration ®marked inflammation ® thick (leather-like) exudate forms ® pseudo membrane ® blocks trachea ® suffocation ® death.

Ø  Complications:  Exotoxin enters bloodstream ® damages heart, kidneys, CNS.

Ø  Vaccine:  DPT, PENTA – toxoid vaccine