Diphtheria is an acute infectious disease transmitted through the air. It is characterized with a local fibrinous inflammation of mucous membranes of oropharynx and it causes general intoxication with predominantly complications in cardiovascular system and nervous system and kidneys.
Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae (corinebacteria).
The source of infection is a sick person or a Corynebacterium diphtheriae carrier, who discharges toxigenic pathogens.
Diphtheria is transmitted mostly through the air, but factors of transmission can be related with household items as well.
The symptoms of diphtheria.
The incubation period of diphtheria lasts 2-10 days.
The symptoms of diphtheria can be manifested by:
• sore throat
• high body temperature, fever
• oropharyngeal mucosa membrane
• grey plaque on the tonsils, hoarseness of the voice
• swelling of the neck
• enlargement of cervical, submandibular lymph nodes
Prophylaxis of diphtheria
In order to prevent dangerous complications one can do vaccination and revaccination every ten years. Vaccination is given in the networks of private vaccination clinics, where one can get vaccinated for a nominal fee.
