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A member asked:

Is diphtheria a virus or bacteria? please advise!

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. Elizabeth Wallen answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

Bacteria: Diptheria is an upper respiratory illness caused by Corynebacterium diptheriae. It is a very unpleasant upper respiratory illness characterized by croupy breathing, shortness of breath with a grayish membrane seen in the pharynx. It is treatable with appropriate antibiotics but it is a completely preventable illness with appropriate vaccination.

Dr Ferguson and 2 doctors agreed

Answered 10/27/2017

3.9k views

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