Treatment and Prevention of Diphtheria
What is diphtheria?Diphtheria is an acute, toxin-mediated bacterial infection, caused by the toxigenic strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae (C. diphtheriae). This contagious infection primarily affects the throat and nose, with symptoms of swollen neck glands, difficulty in swallowing and forms of airway obstruction.How is diphtheria spread?Diphtheria is spread through close contact between an infected individual and someone who has not yet developed immunity. It is highly contagious, with the bacteria most commonly spread through coughing or sneezing and contact with nasal or throat secretions of the infected person.What are the symptoms of diphtheria? Sore throat Fever Nasal discharge or thick-coated tonsils Swollen glands in the neck Difficulty swallowing Hoarseness Muffled voice CoughHow is diphtheria treated?Treatment of diphtheria involves antibiotics to control bacterial growth. The earlier the treatment is started, the better the outcome. Antibiotic treatments may include penicillin, erythromycin, tetracyclines, and chloramphenicol.How can diphtheria be prevented?The most effective way to prevent diphtheria is through vaccination. The diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine helps protect children and adults from diphtheria and other diseases. It is important to keep up with the scheduled doses of the DTaP vaccine since it begins to wear off after several years and booster shots are necessary to maintain immunity.ConclusionDiphtheria is a serious, contagious bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics and prevented with vaccination. Vaccination is the best way to protect against diphtheria and other vaccine-preventable diseases.