Diphtheria is an infectioncaused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Treatment is with the antibioticserythromycin or benzylpenicillin.
Cutaneous diphtheria is usually treated by cleansing the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and giving the patient antibiotics for 10 days.
very carefully
If not treated the person can die and infect others as well.
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.
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.
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.
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.
by medications such as penicillin or erythromycin. Erythromycin appears to be more effective than penicillin.
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.
can you die from Diphtheria?
The virulence factor for diphtheria is an exotoxin named diphtheria exotoxin.
No, the noun 'diphtheria' is a common noun, a word for any instance of diphtheria.