Diphtheria is caused by a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract or skin by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which produces a toxin. The bacteria do not invade deeply but multiply locally, causing tissue necrosis and formation of a pseudomembrane. The toxin can also enter the bloodstream and cause neurological or heart complications. Symptoms vary depending on the site of infection but may include throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and skin lesions. Diagnosis involves culturing samples from infected sites. Treatment involves antitoxin administration, antibiotics, and supportive care such as airway management for laryngeal infections. Complications can affect the heart or nerves if not properly treated.

1. DIPHTHERIA
P/B
:-
DR
NIYATI
PATEL
1

2. DEFINATION
Diphtheria is caused by
superficial infection of
respiratory tract or skin with
toxin-producing strains of
“Corynebacterium diphtheria”.
Coryne- club
Diphtheria - leather
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL
2

3.  The organisms do not actively invade deep
tissue or blood, but multiply locally producing
diphtheria toxin.
 This results in necrosis of mucosal cells and
production of a thick, grey pseudomembrane.
 Diffusion of toxin into circulation causes
neurological and myocardial complications.
 Incubation period – 2 to 6 days
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL
3

4. SIGN & SYMPTOMS ACC TO
TYPES
RESPIRATORY GROUP NON RESPIRATORY GROUP
Nasal diphtheria – Unilateral or
bilateral nasal discharge, at first
serous and often blood stained;
later thick, mucopurulent and foul
smelling.
include vulva, vagina,
umbilical cord, conjunctiva,
auditory meatus, tongue
and oesophagus.
Cutaneous diphtheria may
present as a chronic ulcer or
a persistent shallow ulcer
with punched out areas
Faucial diphtheria – (Arch in mouth)
Cervical lymph nodes enlarge and
oedema of the neck, which may be
severe and progress to ‘bull-neck’.
Laryngeal diphtheria – More
common in infants involves larynx
and also spreads to trachea and
bronchi.
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL
4

5. P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL
5

6. DIAGNOSIS
 Throat or laryngeal swab for culture on
blood tellurite agar.
 Suspicious colonies are identified by a black
or grey appearance on this medium.
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL
6

7. COMPLICATION
 1. Cardiovascular – Myocarditis with
circulatory failure, cardiac arrhythmias such
as heart block, cardiac failure.
 2. Neurological – Palatal palsy, paralysis of
accommodation with difficulty in reading
small print, polyneuritis with weakness of
muscles of extremities.
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL
7

8. MANAGEMENT
1.General care –
 (a) Complete rest in bed for 2 weeks, or
longer if necessary.
 (b) Diet – Fluids in acute phase; soft or
semisolid diet in early convalescence.
 (c) Glucose – IV to counteract hypoglycemia
associated with toxaemia.
 (d) Relief of sore throat or headache with
gargles and codeine.
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL
8

9. 2. Diphtheria antitoxin –
 DAT should be given as early as possible by
IV drip or IM injection or half IV and half IM as
a single dose.
3. Antibiotics –
 Erythromycin 250 mg by mouth every 6 hours
for 5–7 days to terminate production of new
toxin and for preventing secondary infection.
 Procaine penicillin
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL
9

10. 4. Management of laryngeal diphtheria
 Relief of obstruction to breathing by steam inhalations
 Salbutamol
 Tracheostomy  respiratory distress
 The air must still be kept moist
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL
10

11. P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL
11

12. THANK
YOU
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL
12