Where can diphtheria bacteria be found?

Where can diphtheria bacteria be found?

Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The bacterium usually multiplies on or near the surface of the throat.

How does diphtheria get in the body?

Diphtheria is an infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make toxin. Diphtheria spreads from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing. It can also spread by touching open sores or ulcers of someone with a diphtheria skin infection.

Where was diphtheria found?

Diphtheria is commonly found in many parts of the world like the Caribbean and Latin America, Algeria, China, and Ecuador. Diphtheria bacteria live in the mouth, nose, throat, or skin of infected persons.

When does diphtheria occur in the upper respiratory tract?

Diphtheria manifests as either an upper respiratory tract or cutaneous infection and is caused by the aerobic gram-positive bacteria, Corynebacterium diphtheria. The infection usually occurs in the spring or winter months. It is communicable for 2-6 weeks without antibiotic treatment.

Is it possible to catch diphtheria in the UK?

It’s rare in the UK, but there’s a small risk of catching it while travelling in some parts of the world. Diphtheria is rare in the UK because babies and children are routinely vaccinated against it. The best way to avoid diphtheria while travelling is to be fully vaccinated against it.

How does diphtheria affect your nose and throat?

Diphtheria (dif-THEER-e-uh) is a serious bacterial infection that usually affects the mucous membranes of your nose and throat. Diphtheria is extremely rare in the United States and other developed countries, thanks to widespread vaccination against the disease.

What is diphtheria caused by?

Diphtheria is an infection caused by the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacterium. Diphtheria spreads (transmits) from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing.

Is diphtheria contagious?

Diphtheria is a very contagious infection that makes it difficult to breathe. In severe cases, it can cause heart and nerve damage. Pertussis , or whooping cough, is an extremely contagious respiratory infection that can lead to severe breathing problems, especially in infants.

How is diphtheria prevented?

Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent diphtheria. In the United States, there are four vaccines used to prevent diphtheria: DTaP, Tdap, DT, and Td. Each of these vaccines prevents diphtheria and tetanus; DTaP and Tdap also help prevent pertussis (whooping cough).