DIPHTHERIA

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PLUTUS IAS
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Diphtheria A Potentially Life-Threatening
Infection

• GS2 Public Health

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Diphtheria

• Rishabh has written an article about Diphtheria.
  The soft tissues of the nose, throat, and
  occasionally the skin are the main targets of
  diphtheria, a serious and potentially fatal
  bacterial illness.

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About Diphtheria

• Severe bacterial infection primarily affecting
  mucous membranes in the nose and throat.
• Caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which
  produces a damaging toxin.

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Symptoms

• Manifest within 2-5 days after exposure.
• Characterized by a greyish membrane in the
  throat, hindering breathing and swallowing.
• Other symptoms include sore throat, hoarseness,
  swollen neck glands, fever, nasal discharge,
  cough, and fatigue.
• Some individuals may be asymptomatic carriers.

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Complications

• Can lead to severe complications
• Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle).
• Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage and
  paralysis).
• Kidney problems.
• Bleeding problems due to reduced platelet levels.

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Higher Risk Groups

• Higher fatality risk in children under 5 and
  adults over 60.
• Diagnosis
• Involves physical examinations and laboratory
  tests like throat culture and Elek Test.
• Treatment
• Diphtheria Antitoxin neutralizes the bacterial
  toxin.
• Antibiotics like erythromycin and penicillin kill
  or inhibit bacteria.
• Hospital isolation and supportive care often
  required.

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Prevention

• Vaccination Diphtheria vaccine, usually given
  with tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough)
  vaccines.
• Recommended at various ages, with booster doses
  every 10 years.
• Generally safe with mild side effects. Serious
  allergic reactions are rare.

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