Question 1

how is diphtheria transmitted?

Accepted Answer

Droplets/drainage: Diptheria is spread by contact with respiratory tract droplets from a respiratory carrier or drainage from skin lesions from a person with cutaneous diptheria..

Question 2

what are the tests for diphtheria?

Accepted Answer

DIPHTHERIA: The appearance of the membrane suggest th dx. Gram stain is positive to gram  negative bacilli and send for culture for c. Diptheriae.

Question 3

what's tetanus & diphtheria?

Accepted Answer

?TMI: This may be tmi , or too much information..But good articles on both are found here-

http://en.Wikipedia.Org/wiki/tetanus   and 

http://en.Wikipedia.Org/wiki/diphtheria.

Question 4

how long does diphtheria vaccination last for?

Accepted Answer

Usually a life time: The diptheria toxoid is very immunogenic so it's immunity lasts a lifetime.  Diptheria is combined with tetanus and pertussis.  The tetanus component needs to be given every 5-10 years.

Question 5

what is diphtheria?

Accepted Answer

Diphtheria: Diphtheria is a bacterial infection of the upper airway caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.  This disease was historically associated with severe illness and sometimes death, until the vaccine against it was developed in the early 1920's.  Currently, immunization schedules including the DTaP vaccine have been tremendously successful in preventing this disease.

Question 6

what causes diphtheria?

Accepted Answer

Infection: Infection, usually in the throat, with cornybacterium diphtheriae produced a toxin that causes the signs and symptoms of diphtheria.
Dpt vaccination prevents diphtheria.

Question 7

what are the effects of diphtheria?

Accepted Answer

Death rate is 5-10%,: up to 20% in patients &lt;age 5 &amp; &gt; age 40 from infections caused by toxin-producing strains of Corynebacterium Diphtheriae. It was endemic in San Antonio, TX, when I worked  there. There is tissue damage. A grayish pseudomembrane covers the tonsils &amp; throat &amp;, sometimes, the larynx. It can obstruct the airway. The toxin damages the heart &amp; paralyzes the soft palate eyes, limbs &amp; diaphragm. Immunize!

Question 8

where is diphtheria most commonly found?

Accepted Answer

Former Soviet Union: Between 1990 and 1998, more than 80 percent of all cases of diphtheria in the world were reported from the former Soviet Union.

Question 9

what are possible complications from diphtheria?

Accepted Answer

Rare: Diphtheria, once common, is now a rare disease in developed countries due to widespread vaccination programs.  It is characterized by fever and membranous coating of the upper airways.  The coating and throat swelling can cause death by asphyxiation.  Skin lesions can develop from toxin formation.  Also myocarditis (inflammation of heart) and neuropathy can occur.

Question 10

what is the definition or description of: diphtheria?

Accepted Answer

A bacteria: Diphtheria is a potentially fatal, contagious disease that usually involves the nose, throat, and air passages, but may also infect the skin. Its most striking feature is the formation of a grayish membrane covering the tonsils and upper part of the throat.
This is a preventable disease by vaccination. It is rare in United States.

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Diphtheria of the nose

A member asked:

How is diphtheria transmitted?

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What are the tests for diphtheria?

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What's tetanus & diphtheria?

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How long does diphtheria vaccination last for?

A member asked:

What is diphtheria?

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What causes diphtheria?

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What are the effects of diphtheria?

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Where is diphtheria most commonly found?

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What are possible complications from diphtheria?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: diphtheria?

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