difteric

Difteric is an adjective relating to diphtheria, a contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. In medical usage, difteric describes features produced by diphtherial infection, most notably the pseudomembrane that can form on the mucous membranes of the throat and nasopharynx.

The term is often applied to the local manifestations of the disease, such as a grayish-white membrane composed of fibrin, bacteria, and inflammatory cells that can extend over the tonsils, pharynx, and larynx. Diphtheria toxin, produced by toxin-producing strains, can enter the bloodstream and cause systemic effects, including myocarditis and neuritis, which contribute to morbidity and mortality despite local control of the infection.

Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation plus laboratory confirmation. Cultures of throat or nasal swabs can identify Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and tests such as the Elek test or molecular assays can detect toxin production. Early identification and public health reporting are critical due to the potential severity and contagiousness of the disease.

Treatment involves prompt administration of diphtheria antitoxin to neutralize circulating toxin, along with antibiotics (for example, erythromycin or penicillin) to eradicate the bacteria and prevent transmission. Patients are often isolated until they are no longer contagious. Prevention relies on vaccination with diphtheria-containing vaccines (such as DTaP or Tdap) and booster programs.

The term difteric is less common in modern clinical use; "diphtheritic" or "diphtheria-related" are more frequently employed to describe manifestations of the disease.