Diphtheria

Diphtheria: an acute infectious disease

Diphtheria is an acute infectious disease that is transmitted by airborne droplets. It is characterized by lobar or diphtheritic inflammation of the mucous membrane at the gates of infection - in the pharynx, nose, larynx, trachea, less often in other organs - and intoxication.

Etiology and pathogenesis

Diphtheria is caused by the toxigenic diphtheria bacillus, a gram-positive bacterium that is persistent in the environment. The pathogenic effect is associated with the exotoxin produced by this bacterium. Nontoxigenic corynebacteria are nonpathogenic. The diphtheria bacillus grows on the mucous membranes of the pharynx and other organs, where lobar or diphtheritic inflammation develops with the formation of films.

The exotoxin produced by the pathogen is absorbed into the blood and causes intoxication with damage to the myocardium, peripheral and autonomic nervous system, kidneys, and adrenal glands.

Symptoms and course

The incubation period for diphtheria ranges from 2 to 12 days. Depending on the location of the process, diphtheria of the pharynx, nose, larynx, eyes, etc. is distinguished.

Diphtheria pharynx

The catarrhal (atypical) form of the disease is manifested by low-grade fever, sore throat when swallowing, hyperemia of the tonsils, and a slight increase in regional lymph nodes. Typical forms of diphtheria of the pharynx include localized, widespread and toxic.

In the localized form, fibrinous filmy plaques form on the palatine tonsils (membranous form). The pharynx is moderately hyperemic, pain when swallowing is moderate or mild, regional lymph nodes are slightly enlarged. Intoxication is not pronounced, the temperature reaction is moderate.

A variation of this form is island diphtheria of the pharynx, in which plaques on the tonsils look like small plaques, often located in lacunae.

In the common form of pharynx diphtheria, fibrinous deposits spread to the mucous membrane of the palatine arches and uvula; intoxication is pronounced, body temperature is high, and the reaction of regional lymph nodes is more significant.

Toxic diphtheria is characterized by a sharp enlargement of the tonsils, significant swelling of the mucous membrane of the throat and respiratory tract, severe pain when swallowing, severe intoxication, high body temperature, and enlarged regional lymph nodes. Thick fibrinous films form on the mucous membrane of the pharynx and other organs, which can lead to breathing problems and cause suffocation. Toxic diphtheria can lead to serious complications such as damage to the heart, nervous system, kidneys and other organs.

Nasal diphtheria

Nasal diphtheria is manifested by soreness in the nose, the presence of brown or greenish mucous discharge, and the formation of fibrinous films on the mucous membrane of the nose and pharynx. Breathing and smell disturbances, headaches, and intoxication may occur.

Diphtheria of the larynx

Diphtheria of the larynx manifests itself as severe soreness in the throat and difficulty breathing. Fibrinous deposits form on the mucous membrane of the larynx, which can lead to breathing problems and cause suffocation. Intoxication is severe, body temperature is high.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of diphtheria is based on the clinical manifestations of the disease, the result of bacteriological examination of the isolated material. Antibacterial drugs, antitoxin, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying agents are used to treat diphtheria. Severe forms of the disease may require hospitalization and intensive care. Prevention of diphtheria is important, which includes vaccinations and hygiene measures.

Diphtheria: a disease that can cause serious health consequences. This is an infectious disease that is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae and is transmitted through contact with an infected person. The infection can be mild, but if not treated promptly or without treatment, it can lead to complications and even death.

Diphtheria affects the throat, which appears as red dots covering the entire surface of the throat and tonsils. These spots are called rashes and can cause difficulty swallowing or speaking. Diphtheria is usually treated with antibiotics and anti-diphtheria serum, which help kill the bacteria. However, if the infection has spread to the lungs or heart, immediate medical attention will be required.

It is important to remember that diphtheria spreads easily through droplets of saliva and mucus produced by coughing, sneezing and talking, so it is important to practice good hygiene when in contact with infected people. Vaccination is also necessary to prevent people at risk from developing diphtheria. Vaccination is carried out for children over 2 years of age, adults and elderly people who are at risk.

Although diphtheria can be quite serious, it is not as common now due to increased vaccination efforts. Overall, diphtheria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in countries with low standards of living and economics, especially among young children. To protect yourself and your loved ones from diphtheria, it is important to get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and contact a medical professional if symptoms of the disease appear.