Diptheria



Diphtheria

Introduction

A bacterial disease known as Corynebacterium diphtheria, is a cause of Diphtheria. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that is highly contagious and occurs swiftly. It can get quite severe and the count of white cell is typically raised. The characteristics of diphtheria are, the formation of a systemic toxin and a supporter false membrane lining of the mucous membrane of the throat. Nose and throat mainly gets affected by it. The toxin is harmful to the tissues of the heart and central nervous system, and the opaque pseudo membrane in the throat meddles with eating, drinking, and breathing. Other body tissues may consist of membrane . If the disease is not treated , it often gets fatal from respiratory hindrance, or the failure of heart and kidney. Patients suffering from this disease usually need hospitalization in isolated rooms . Diphtheria ordinarily involves the nose, throat, and air passages, but skin can also get infected by it. The creation of a grayish membrane layering the tonsils and upper part of the throat are the main features of it. Diphtheria usually begins during the winter months, and can be asymptomatic. It gains access to the body through the throat (pharyngeal diphtheria) or through skin lesions (cutaneous diphtheria). Diphtheria can heal spontaneously but other patients may get paralyzed and can encounter heart blockage (both cranial and peripheral). People who live in unhygienic conditions, who are malnutritioned, and children and adults who have not been immunized are at risk.

Types of Diphtheria

The types of diphtheria include:

Nasal

In Nasal diphtheria, a membrane in the nasal passage appears. It includes the discharge of water and blood. Nasal infection is less complicated but is a public health problem because it spreads quite rapidly as compared to other forms of diphtheria.

Pharyngeal

The name of Pharyngeal diphtheria is derived from the word pharynx. Pharynx is part of the upper throat that connects the voice box with the mouth and nasal passages. Pharyngeal is the most widespread form of diphtheria, causing throat membrane. If the membrane is cut, bleeding can be caused. The membrane shall not be removed; otherwise the body would increase the absorption of exotoxin.

Laryngeal

In Laryngeal diphtheria, the voice box or larynx are involved. It produces serious complications, like high fever and severe cough. The patient gets very weak. He may encounter breathing problems, and can lose the voice completely. Hindrance of the airway may cause respiratory compromise and death.

Skin

This type of diphtheria is often called cutaneous diphtheria. It is mostly found among people who are unhygienic. Any break in the skin or wound can get infectious with diphtheria. An ulcerated area can be developed due to the infected tissue and a membrane may form over the wound. The wound or ulcer is takes time to heal and may become dead or insensitive when touched. (Efstratiou. A, & et al, 1997)

Discussion

Geographical Distribution of Diphtheria

The disease called Diphtheria is found worldwide. The regions, where immunization programmes have been inadequate or withdrawn due to financial reasons or from civil strife, are more ...