Diphtheria vaccination is the most important and effective preventive measure. Furthermore, to prevent diphtheria, attention must be paid to reducing risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Avoid contact with infected persons during the phase of infection. This phase can last up to four weeks after the first symptoms appear, but usually only about two weeks. The … Diphtheria: Prevention
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate diphtheria: Leading symptoms of respiratory tract infection. Angina with adherent grayish-white coatings on the pharyngeal mucosa (pseudomembranes); bleeding occurs rapidly when an attempt is made to detach them Hoarseness (dysphonia) to aphonia (voiceless). Sore throat (due topharyngeal diphtheria) Barking cough (due tolaryngeal diphtheria) (rare). Inspiratory stridor (breathing sound … Diphtheria: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Pathogenesis (development of disease) Corynebacterium diphtheriae (or other species, such as C. ulcerans) is transmitted by droplet infection or direct contact. Only members of this species, which contain a diphtheria toxin, cause diphtheria. In this process, the bacterium causes cell death, which then leads to the necrosis (death of tissue) described above. The severity of … Diphtheria: Causes
Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests. Bacteriology (cultural): throat swab for corynebacteria (in pharyngeal diphtheria from the pharyngeal mucosa, under the pseudomembranes); also general pathogen and resistance, if necessary. Serology only suitable to vaccine titer control: AK against diphtheria toxin (see below). * Detection of the pathogen is reportable by name … Diphtheria: Test and Diagnosis
Therapeutic targets Elimination of the pathogens Avoidance of complications Therapy recommendations Antibiosis (antibiotics) in combination with diphtheria antitoxin. Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) [see below]. See also under “Further therapy“. Antibiotics Antibiotics are drugs that are administered when an infection with a bacterium is present. They act either bacteriostatic, by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, or bactericidal, … Diphtheria: Drug Therapy
Diphtheria is diagnosed on the basis of history, physical examination, and laboratory diagnosis.
Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of diphtheria. Family history What is the general current health status of your family members? Social history Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). Have you noticed any symptoms such as fever, cough, or lymph node enlargement? Do you suffer from sore … Diphtheria: Medical History
Respiratory System (J00-J99) Angina tonsillaris – painful inflammation of the palatine tonsils (tonsils). Pseudocroup (stenosing laryngitis) – a condition in which the mucous membrane of the larynx swells, usually below the vocal cords Recurrent croup – typical causative agents/triggers: viruses, allergens, inhalant noxious agents; onset: Infancy (6th LM – 6th LJ/peak 2nd LJ). Sinusitis (sinusitis). … Diphtheria: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
Diphtheria vaccination is a standard (regular) vaccination administered using an inactivated vaccine. Active diphtheria immunization provides protection against infection of the mucous membranes, especially the respiratory tract, or the skin caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It is usually given in combination with a tetanus (lockjaw) vaccine. The following are the recommendations of the Standing Commission on … Diphtheria Vaccination
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by diphtheria: Cardiovascular system (I00-I99). Endocarditis (endocarditis of the heart). Pulmonary embolism – occlusion of pulmonary vessels by a detached thrombus (blood clot). Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) with conduction disturbances up to AV block 3rd degree and heart failure. … Diphtheria: Complications
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes, pharynx (throat), and sclera (white part of the eye) [Caesarean neck (swelling of the throat); gray-white coating on the pharyngeal mucosa] [due todifferential … Diphtheria: Examination
