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Diphtheria

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Diphtheria By: Dakota Reynolds & Katie Dorminey Diphtheria Diphtheria is an upper respiratory tract illness The toxin destroys the normal throat tissue, causing the ... – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: Diphtheria


1
Diphtheria
  • By Dakota Reynolds
  • Katie Dorminey

2
Diphtheria
  • Diphtheria is an upper respiratory tract illness
  • The toxin destroys the normal throat tissue,
    causing the throat to swell. As the tissue dies,
    the toxin forms a thick, grayish white membrane
    that completely covers the throat
  • A milder form of diphtheria can be restricted to
    the skin
  • Very contagious

3
Causative Agent
  • Diphtheria is an acute infectious disease caused
    by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae
  • Gram-positive, aerobic, nonmotile, rod-shaped
    bacteria classified as Actinobacteria
  • They form irregular, club-shaped or V-shaped
    arrangements in normal growth

4
Signs Symptoms
  • The main symptoms are sore throat, low fever,
    weakness and headache
  • Difficulty talking
  • The lymph glands in the neck become enlarged and
    swollen
  • Breath has an unpleasant odor
  • Skin diphtheria causes a nasal discharge and
    excoriated skin around the nose

5
Treatment
  • Diphtheria antitoxin is used
  • The antitoxin is used to help prevent damage
    caused by the bacterial toxin to vital organs
  • Antibiotics are give to treat the infection
  • Hospitalization is usually required
  • Supplementary oxygen, bed rest, and careful
    monitoring of heart functions are often needed

6
Treatment
  • If the membrane in the back of the throat
    obstructs breathing, a tube may be passed through
    the mouth or nose
  • In serious cases a tracheotomy may be needed

7
Prevention
  • Immunization for diphtheria has been part of
    routine well-child care for decades
  • This is the "D" in the "DPT" shots. (Diphtheria,
    Pertussis, and Tetanus)
  • Diphtheria vaccine is made of a toxoid, which is
    a weakened form of the diphtheria toxin
  • The immunity slowly depletes, so that a booster
    is needed every ten years

8
Resources
  • http//www.textbookofbacteriology.net/diphtheria.h
    tm
  • http//www.healthscout.com/ency/68/466/main.htmlS
    ymptomsofDiphtheria
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