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DiphtheriaPronounced: Dif-THEER-e-uh
by
Amy Scholten, MPH DefinitionDiphtheria is a life-threatening infection. It can cause heart, nerve, and kidney damage. It needs to be treated right away. CausesThis illness is caused by certain bacteria. It spreads from person-to-person contact. This can happen by:
Risk FactorsThings that raise the risk are:
SymptomsSymptoms of diphtheria may be mild or severe. They may include:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam may be done. A nose or throat swab can confirm the diagnosis. TreatmentDiphtheria will be treated right away, even if test results are not ready. Treatment includes:
PreventionA vaccine will prevent the disease. RESOURCES:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases https://www.niaid.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Caring for Kids—Canadian Paediatric Society https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca Public Health Agency of Canada https://www.canada.ca References:Diphtheria. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/dip.html. Accessed February 2, 2021.
Diphtheria. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/diphtheria. Accessed Februsary 2, 2021.
Immunization schedules. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html. Accessed February 2, 2021. Sharma NC, Efstratiou A, et al. Diphtheria. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2019;5(1):81. Td (tetanus, diphtheria) VIS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/td.html. Accessed February 2, 2021. Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) VIS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/tdap.html. Accessed February 2, 2021. Last reviewed September 2020 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP Last Updated: 2/2/2021 | |