Highlights & Basics
- Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable, toxin-mediated bacterial disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
- Outbreaks occur across the globe in populations with low vaccine coverage. Sporadic cases occur in settings where vaccine coverage is high, mainly focused among vulnerable individuals who have arrived from places of higher risk.
- Respiratory diphtheria is the main clinical presentation. Local, toxin-mediated inflammation can cause life-threatening upper airway obstruction. Systemic dissemination of toxin can cause delayed mortality from cardiac and neurologic damage.
- Cutaneous diphtheria is another common presentation; it is usually less severe.
- Early intervention by administering antitoxin is key to preventing severe manifestations of the disease. Prompt administration of antitoxin is necessary to deactivate free toxin in serum before it enters cells.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
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Citations
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UK Health Security Agency. Public health control and management of diphtheria in England: 2023 guidelines. Nov 2023 [internet publication].[Full Text]
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