Transcript Diphtheria
Diphtheria By: Dakota Reynolds & Katie Dorminey Diphtheria Diphtheria is an upper respiratory tract illness The toxin destroys the normal throat tissue, causing the throat to swell. As the tissue dies, the toxin forms a thick, grayish white membrane that completely covers the throat A milder form of diphtheria can be restricted to the skin Very contagious Causative Agent Diphtheria is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae Gram-positive, aerobic, nonmotile, rod-shaped bacteria classified as Actinobacteria They form irregular, club-shaped or V-shaped arrangements in normal growth Signs & Symptoms The main symptoms are sore throat, low fever, weakness and headache Difficulty talking The lymph glands in the neck become enlarged and swollen Breath has an unpleasant odor Skin diphtheria causes a nasal discharge and excoriated skin around the nose Treatment Diphtheria antitoxin is used The antitoxin is used to help prevent damage caused by the bacterial toxin to vital organs Antibiotics are give to treat the infection Hospitalization is usually required Supplementary oxygen, bed rest, and careful monitoring of heart functions are often needed Treatment If the membrane in the back of the throat obstructs breathing, a tube may be passed through the mouth or nose In serious cases a tracheotomy may be needed Prevention Immunization for diphtheria has been part of routine wellchild care for decades This is the "D" in the "DPT" shots. (Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus) Diphtheria vaccine is made of a toxoid, which is a weakened form of the diphtheria toxin The immunity slowly depletes, so that a booster is needed every ten years Resources http://www.textbookofbacteriology.net/diphtheria.htm http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/466/main.html#Sym ptomsofDiphtheria