difteriya

Difteriya is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the throat and nose, but can also infect the skin. The bacteria produce a toxin that can damage various organs, including the heart, kidneys, and nerves. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through direct contact with contaminated materials.

Symptoms typically appear 2 to 5 days after infection and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include a sore throat, fever, swollen glands in the neck, and difficulty breathing. A characteristic grayish-white membrane often forms in the throat, which can obstruct the airway. Skin infections can appear as sores that do not heal.

Diagnosis is usually made based on clinical symptoms and laboratory tests, such as throat swabs. Treatment involves administering antitoxin to neutralize the diphtheria toxin and antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Prompt medical attention is crucial, as untreated diphtheria can be fatal.

Prevention is highly effective through vaccination. The diphtheria vaccine is typically given as part of a combination vaccine, such as DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis) for children and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) for adolescents and adults. Widespread vaccination programs have significantly reduced the incidence of diphtheria in many parts of the world, though outbreaks can still occur in areas with low vaccination rates.