Acute febrile infection of the tonsil, throat, nose, larynx that usually affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat.
DIPHTHERIA
Diphtheria is also known as
Pseudomembrane or toxemia
Diphtheria Causative agent
- Corynebacterium diphtheriae
- Kleb’s-loffler bacillus
Diphtheria Classification
Bacterial
Diphtheria Source of infection:
discharges and Secretions from nose, nasopharynx From skin and other lesions
Diphtheria Incubation period
2 to 5 days
Diphtheria Period of communicability
2-4 weeks
Diphtheria Mode of transmission
Droplet
Direct contact
Ingestion of unpasteurized milk
Diphtheria Susceptibility
- Infants born of mothers who had diphtheria —immune but disappears before the FIRST 5 months after birth (NATURAL PASSIVE IMMUNITY)
- Recovery from an attack of diphtheria does not confer persistent immunity (NEED DPT/PENTA VAC)
Diphtheria PATHOGNOMONIC SIGN:
A thick, gray membrane covering your throat and tonsils
PSEUDOMEMBRANE
Diphtheria Types
N, P, L
- Nasal diphtheria
- Pharyngeal diphtheria
- Laryngeal diphtheria
Nasal diphtheria
(C, E, A/L)
Coryza
Epistaxis
Adenitis/lymphadenopathy
Pharyngeal diphtheria
(ST, T, BN)
Sore throat
Tonsillitis
Bull neck (pathognomonic sign)
Laryngeal diphtheria
Hoarseness of voice
Dx tests
- Schick’s test
- Moloney’s test
determines SUSCEPTIBILITY and IMMUNITY to diphtheria; A minute amount of diphtheria toxin is injected into the skin of the forearm.
Schick’s test
INDURATION: 10mm (wheal formation)
Route: ID
Result Reading: after 2-3 DAYS/ 48-72 HRS
determines HYPERSENSITIVITY to the diphtheria toxoid
Moloney’s test
DPT Management
- Proper disposal of secretions (DIRECT/INDIRECT CONTACT)
- Coughing etiquette (DROPLET PRECAUTION)
- Avoid use of common towels, glasses and eating utensils
- Strict isolation (ABOUT 5-7 DAYS)
- Rest (DEC. CELLULAR O2 DEMAND)
- Soft diet (PHARYNGEAL DIPHTHERIA)
PASTEURIZATION OF MILK
71.6-71.7 (5-15 SECS)
DPT PREVENTION
DPT/ PENTA VACCINE
