4. Introduction
Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects
the nose and throat. Less commonly, it can also affect the skin.
The symptoms of diphtheria include.
high temperature.
sore throat, and breathing difficulties.
Children are mostly effected by diphtheria.
An estimated 5-10% Peoples are effected From diphtheria.
5. History
Diphtheria was first described by Hippocrates in the fifth
century BC, and throughout history diphtheria has been a
leading cause of death, primarily among children.
The diphtheria bacterium was first identified in the 1880s by
F. Loeffler, and the antitoxin against diphtheria was later
developed in the 1890s.
6. Definition
Diphtheria is an infection caused by the bacterium
Corynebacterium diphtheriae . A form of diphtheria that
involves the skin, eyes, or genitals also exists. Complications
may include myocarditis, inflammation of nerves,
kidney problems, and bleeding problems due to low levels of
platelets.
7. Causes
Diphtheria is an infection caused by the Corynebacterium
diphtheriae bacterium. Diphtheria is spread (transmitted) from
person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like
from coughing or sneezing.
8. Signs & Symptoms
Diphtheria signs and symptoms usually begin two to five
days after a person becomes infected.
A thick, gray membrane covering your throat and tonsils
A sore throat and hoarseness
Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in your neck
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Nasal discharge
Fever and chills
Malaise
10. Complications from Diphtheria
Blocking of the airway.
Damage to the heart muscle
Nerve damage
Loss of the ability to move
Lung infection
11. Heart damage
The diphtheria toxin may spread through blood
stream & damage other tissues in your body ,
such as heart muscle , causing inflammation of
( Mayocarditis ).
Its may be slight, showing up as minor
abnormalities on an ECG ,or severe, leading
sudden death .
12. Nerve damage
The toxin can also cause nerve damage. Typical targets are
Nerves to the throat, where poor nerve conduction may
cause difficulty swallowing. If diphtheria toxin damages
the nerves that help control muscles used in breathing, these
muscles may become paralyzed.
13. Renal
The Diphtheria toxin may damage the kidneys,
affecting their ability to filter wastes from the
blood.
This leads to renal failure.
14. Breathing Problems
Diphtheria-causing bacteria may produce a toxin. This toxin damages
tissue in the immediate area of infection — usually, the nose and
throat. At that site, the infection produces a tough, gray-colored
membrane composed of dead cells, bacteria and other substances.
This membrane can obstruct breathing.
15. Skin (Cutaneous Diphtheria)
Diphtheria can affect the skin, causing the typical pain,
redness and swelling associated with other bacterial skin
infections. Ulcers covered by a gray membrane also may
develop in cutaneous diphtheria.
16. Tests & Diagnosis
Diphtheria can be dignosed usually by Proper clinical
examination , throat culture from the infected area and blood
tests .
- Tests may be include .
Gram stain or Throat culture to identify corynebacterium
diphtheria .
ECG .
17. Prevantion
Diphtheria is easily prevanted
with the use of a safe & effective
vaccine.
Most people receive their first
vaccination for the disease as
childern . This is the DTP vaccine
(Diphtheria-tetanus-pretussis)
18. Treatment
Antitoxin :
After Doctors conform diphtheria , the infecte child receives an
antitoxin.The antitoxin, injected into a vine or muscle , neutralizes the
diphtheria toxin already circulating in the body .
Antibiotics :
Diphtheria is also treated with antibiotics , such as penicilline or
erythromycin.
Antibiotic help kill bacteria in the body , clearing up infection .
19. Homeopathic Remedies For
Diphtheria
Mercurius cyanatus
Diphtherinum
Kali bichromicum
Kali muriaticum
Kali permanganicum
Apis mellifica
Lachesis
Lycopodium
Bromine
Muriatic acid
Nitric acid
Phytolacca
Arsenicum
