What causes diphtheria?

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

C.diphtheriae strain: The germ corynebacterium diphtheriae is a bacteria that has a toxic strain that uses humans as it's only reservoir. It produces a variety of enzymes that allow it to penetrate and destroy cells or have toxic effects on the heart, kidneys & nerves.