Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called

Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make toxin. It can lead to difficulty breathing, heart
rhythm problems, and even death. CDC recommends vaccines for infants, children,
teens, and adults to prevent diphtheria. Corynebacterium diphtheriae is part of the
Corynebacteriacese family and genus Corynebacterium. Bacteria are small,
pleomorphic, aerobic, non-spore forming bacilli. They are Gram positive and slightly
club shaped. Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The
bacterium usually multiplies on or near the surface of the throat or skin. They are
ubiquitous and can be found on the skin and in the upper respiratory and
gastrointestinal tracts. The primary pathogen in this group is Corynebacterium
diphtheriae, the etiologic agent of diphtheria. Additional corynebacteria include 45
species, 30 of which on rare occasion cause human disease.
Infectious diseases were known by their characteristic's odors--scrofula as
smelling like stale beer; typhoid, like freshly baked brown bread; rubella, like plucked
feathers; and diphtheria, as "sweetish." Anosmics might be banned from medical
school.
Diphtheria is dangerous because the bacteria which cause it produce a powerful
toxin (poison). The toxin kills cells in the mouth, nose and throat. The dead cells quickly
build up and form a membrane which can attach to the throat and lead to death by
choking.
The recommended antibiotics for respiratory or cutaneous diphtheria including
penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, rifampin, and tetracycline; erythromycin or
penicillin is the treatment of choice and is usually given for 14 days.
BRYAN R. TRINIDAD
BSF 3

MICRO 1
BERNARDO OMANITO
Teacher