Diphtheria

Diphtheria Latest News

After decades of being largely under control, diphtheria — a serious but vaccine-preventable disease — is making an unexpected return in parts of Australia.

About Diphtheria

• It is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can attack the upper respiratory tract and less often the skin.
• It is caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make a toxin. 
• The bacterium usually multiplies on or near the surface of the throat or skin.
• There are two main types of diphtheria:
• Classical respiratory diphtheria: It may affect your nose, throat, tonsils, or larynx (voice box). It’s the most common type.
• Skin (cutaneous) diphtheria: It causes a skin rash, sores, or blisters. They can appear anywhere on your body. Cutaneous diphtheria is more common in tropical climates. Overall, it’s rare.

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Diphtheria Transmission

• It can spread from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing. 
• People can also get sick from touching infected open sores or ulcers in case of cutaneous diphtheria.
• Some people may not develop disease manifestations but can still transmit the bacteria to others.

Diphtheria Symptoms

• Symptoms of respiratory diphtheria can include:
  • Throat pain
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Mild fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
  • A thick, greyish coating on the back of your throat
  • Problems breathing and/or swallowing
• Symptoms of skin diphtheria can include:
  • Painful open sore or ulcer
  • Rash with scales or peeling skin
  • Swelling and discoloration near the sore or rash
• Diphtheria can lead to complications, like:
  • Airway blockage, which can cause suffocation
  • Heart muscle damage and heart failure
  • Nerve damage
  • Kidney failure
  • These complications can result in death.

Diphtheria Treatment

• Neutralization of unbound toxin with Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT).
• Antibiotics to prevent further bacterial growth;
• Monitoring and supportive care to prevent and treat complications, e.g. airway obstruction, myocarditis.
• Although diphtheria can be treated with medications, in advanced stages, the bacterial infection can damage the heart, kidneys and nervous system.
• It is a vaccine-preventable disease, but multiple doses and booster doses are needed to produce and sustain immunity.
• For unvaccinated individuals, without proper treatment, diphtheria can be fatal in around 30% of cases, with young children at higher risk of dying.

Source: IE