Diphtheria

Question 1

What happens following diphtheria infection? X2

Answer 1

• toxin produces acute inflammation

- formation of “pseudomembrane”

Question 2

Symptoms of early infection x3

Answer 2

Sore throat, Low fever, swollen neck glands

Question 3

Symptoms of late infection of diphtheria x3

Answer 3

Shock
Difficulty breathing
Airway obstruction

Question 4

What are diphtheria outbreaks associated with? X2

Answer 4

• immunity gaps/vaccination failure

- unsanitary/crowded conditions

Question 5

Toxigenic species of diphtheria

Answer 5

Corynebacterium diphtheria

Question 6

Features of corynebacterium diphtheria x5

Answer 6

• gram positive bacilli
• aerobic
• non-motile
• Albert’s stain (metachromatic granules)
• grows in tellurite agar

Question 7

Transmission of diphtheria

Answer 7

Direct - contact droplets/skin

Indirect - contaminated objects

Question 8

What process does the entry of c. Diphtheria into cells involve?

Answer 8

Endocytosis

Question 9

Treatment of diphtheria x2

Answer 9

• immediate inoculation with diphtheria anti-toxin

- administer penicillin or erythromycin to eliminate the bacteria

Question 10

Prevention of C. Diphtheria x2

Answer 10

Active immunisation

Diphtheria formal toxoid vaccine

Question 11

Incubation period of diphtheria

Answer 11

2-6 days