Though perceived as the common cold, Nasal Diphtheria eventually becomes increasingly worse, usually showing signs by blood tinged mucus. A white membrane usually forms on the nasal septum. The disease is mild because not many toxins are absorbed by the system. It's cured by antibiotic therapy. .
Pharyngeal and Tonsillar Diphtheria.
Pharyngeal and Tonsillar Diphtheria is the most common places where the infection comes through. A lot of toxin is absorbed through the system too. Some of the symptoms are soar throat, food restriction, and low grade fever. With in 2-3 days, a blush-white membrane forms covering a patch of the tonsils. If not treated, the membrane can turn to a grey-green or black color and bleeding occurs. The membrane sticks to the tissue, and trying to remove it causes bleeding as well. Leaving it untreated can cause respiratory damage. Though still able to recover, if too much toxin is absorbed, the patient can develop sever prostration, rapid pulse, stupor, coma or even death in 6-10 days. When infected severely, a "bull neck" appearance comes through as a reaction. .
Diphtheria- an acute, toxin; meditated disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheria. Klebs first observed the bacterium in diphtheritic membranes in 1883, cultivated by L. ffler in 1184. Antitoxin was invented in the late 19th century, and toxid was developed in the 1920's.
C. Diphtheria is an aerobic gram-positive bacillus. Toxin production happens only when the bacillus is infected by bacteriophage, which is when the bacteria gets infected by abirus and releases toxins in the body. .
There are three biotypes:.
Gravis- the most severe.
Intermedius .
Mitis .
Diphtheria can take on many forms such as infecting the skin, tonsils, the throat, and the nasal passages.
Cutaneous (skin) Diphtheria .
Skin infections are common in the tropics and among homeless people. Skin infections are formed by a scaling rash or by any chronic skin lesion may contain C.