Diphtheria infection (bacterial respiratory infection)

Description An acute respirator...

Description

An acute respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It begins by infecting the throat causing a gray-to-black, tough, fiber-like covering, which can block the airway. Involvement of the skin, heart and central nervous system can develop after the throat infection. Life threatening airway blockage and heart arrhythmias can develop. It is an extremely contagious disorder, and is spread from person to person by respiratory droplets that are released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. After exposure to an infected person, the disease usually will develop within 2 to 5 days. It can also spread when a person has contact with an infected object or surface. The vaccine DPT (diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus) for children and DT (diphtheria/tetanus) can help prevent the disease.

Symptoms

Fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, noisy breathing (stridor), enlarged lymph nodes, bloody, watery drainage from nose, drooling, hoarseness, skin ulcers. There may be no symptoms.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The bacteria can be identified under a microscope either by conducting a gram stain or by throat culture.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG)

Other Specific Tests: Gram stain, throat culture

Specialists:
Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine

Treatment

Anti-toxin against diphtheria should be given early along with antibiotics. Intravenous fluids, oxygen, cardiac monitoring, and if there is significant airway blockage insertion of an artificial airway for breathing.