Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an infectious disease discovered by scientists. It is caused by the bacteria termed as ‘corynebacterium diphtherae’ which affects respiratory membranes, skin, and tissues of ear, eye and also genital areas. Depending on the biotypes of the above mentioned bacteria the severity of the disease varies. Since this disease is infectious it can spread by respiratory droplets or by contact with the infected person. Overcrowding and poor living are the main causes of spreading diphtheria. Symptoms of respiratory diphtheria include fever, difficulty in breathing and swallowing and further spread of the disease can cause heart and neurological problems such as paralysis. After the diagnosis of the infected patient, proper treatment should be taken including diphtheria antitoxin which reduces the progression of the disease and later antibiotics like penicillin and erythromycin should be applied to eradicate it completely. Vaccination and immunization of infants at the age of 2,4 ,6 months is the finest way to prevent this disease.