0
What else can I help you with?
What is diphtheria and how is it treated?
Diphtheria is an infectioncaused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Treatment is with the antibioticserythromycin or benzylpenicillin.
How was diphtheria treated in the 1600's?
very carefully
What are the symptoms of cutaneous diphtheria?
The infected tissue develops an ulcerated area and a diphtheria membrane may form over the wound but is not always present. The wound or ulcer is slow to heal and may be numb or insensitive when touched.
How do you get diptheria?
Diphtheria is transmitted from person to person through close contact with the discharge from an infected person's eyes, nose, throat or skin.Diphtheria is a bacterial disease (corynebacterium diphtheriae) that has an [incubation period] of one week. The symptoms include a sore throat, fever, swelling of the lymph nodes, and a thick grayish membrane forms over the tonsils and pharynx which can cause difficulty breathing and swallowing. Diphtheria can also affect the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. Diphtheria is cured with an antitoxin that neutralizes the toxin. Respirators and antibiotics are used to minimize the complications. [Vaccine] and booster shots for diphtheria were developed in 1920.Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening bacterial disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. There are two types of diphtheria: respiratory and cutaneous. Respiratory diphtheria involves the nose, throat and tonsils, and cutaneous diphtheria involves the skin. Cutaneous diphtheria is discussed below.
What can happen if diphtheria is left untreated?
If not treated the person can die and infect others as well.
How is diphtheria treated if the patient is sensitive to animal serum?
Patients who are sensitive (about 10%) must be desensitized with diluted antitoxin, since the antitoxin is the only specific substance that will counteract diphtheria exotoxin. No human antitoxin is available for the treatment of diphtheria.
How quickly is diphtheria diagnosed?
Because diphtheria must be treated as quickly as possible, doctors usually make the diagnosis on the basis of the visible symptoms without waiting for test results.
Does diphtheria go away?
Yes, diphtheria can be treated and can resolve with appropriate medical care. The condition requires prompt treatment with diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria and manage symptoms. With timely intervention, most individuals recover fully. However, without treatment, diphtheria can lead to serious complications or even death.
How is diphtheria prevented in adults?
Adults should be immunized at 10 year intervals with Td (tetanus-diphtheria) toxoid. A toxoid is a bacterial toxin that is treated to make it harmless but still can induce immunity to the disease.
How was diphtheria treated in the 1800's?
by medications such as penicillin or erythromycin. Erythromycin appears to be more effective than penicillin.
Can diphtheria form spores?
No, diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which does not form spores. This bacterium is non-spore-forming and primarily spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with infected wounds. Diphtheria is characterized by a thick coating in the throat and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
Is there a cure for dipleria?
Diphtheria is primarily treated with antitoxin to neutralize the diphtheria toxin and antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria. While there is no direct "cure," prompt treatment can effectively manage the disease and prevent complications. Vaccination is the best preventive measure against diphtheria. Timely medical intervention is crucial for a positive outcome.
