DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Infectious Disease

Diphtheria

HIGH SEVERITY

A serious bacterial infection causing thick gray membrane in throat and nose, breathing difficulty, heart damage, and nerve paralysis. Caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Once major childhood killer, now rare in vaccinated populations. Vaccine-preventable.

Global Affected

50.0K

Countries

17

Symptoms

Gray membrane on throat/tonsils
Sore throat
Fever
Swollen neck lymph nodes (bull neck)
Difficulty breathing
Hoarseness
Rapid heart rate
Nasal discharge
Weakness
Paralysis

Treatment Options

Diphtheria antitoxin (DAT)
Antibiotics (erythromycin/penicillin)
Airway management
Isolation
Cardiac monitoring
Respiratory support
Treatment of contacts (antibiotics + vaccine)
Physical therapy (paralysis)

Risk Factors

1Unvaccinated status
2Incomplete vaccination
3Travel to endemic areas
4Crowded/living conditions with poor sanitation
5Immunocompromised
6Breakdown of public health systems

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Clinical diagnosis (gray membrane)
  • 2Throat/nasal culture
  • 3PCR testing
  • 4Elek test (toxin detection)
  • 5Gram stain

Prognosis

Guarded. 5-10% mortality with treatment; up to 50% without. Heart complications common. Neuropathy may develop weeks after recovery. Respiratory failure possible. Full recovery possible with prompt treatment.

Prevention

  • DTaP vaccination (children)
  • Tdap or Td boosters
  • Treatment and vaccination of contacts
  • Isolation of cases
  • Travel vaccination
  • Maintaining high vaccination coverage

Research Status

DTaP/Tdap vaccines highly effective. Diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) for treatment. Antibiotics (erythromycin/penicillin). Rare in developed countries due to vaccination. Outbreaks in under-vaccinated populations. Research minimal (current vaccines very effective).

Affected Countries

IndiaIndonesiaPhilippinesNigeriaBangladeshPakistanMMVietnamEthiopiaDR CongoYemenVenezuelaHaitiBOUkraineRussiaBelarus

Sources

  • https://www.cdc.gov/diphtheria
  • https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diphtheria
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diphtheria

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.