Corynebacterium diphtheriae causes diphtheria, which is rare in developed countries due to vaccinations. The bacteria enter through the respiratory tract or open wounds, releasing toxins that cause inflammation and can lead to cardiac arrest or paralysis. Diagnosis involves a throat culture and treatment includes antitoxins, antibiotics, and respiratory support. Regular checkups and booster shots are recommended to prevent outbreaks.
Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the species of bacteria responsible for diphtheria infections. It is a widespread pathogen that is more likely to infect children and people with weakened immune systems who live in unhealthy and overpopulated regions. Corynebacterium diphtheriae infections are rare in developed countries due to the availability of vaccinations for the bacterium. Diphtheria can usually be treated and outbreaks prevented with emergency medical care.
The Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacterium usually enters the body through the respiratory tract when a person inhales microscopic strains from an infected person’s sneeze or cough. It can also penetrate open skin lesions or enter the body through contaminated food or drink. The bacteria take root in body tissues and release toxins that trigger inflammation. Corynebacterium diphtheriae thrives on the iron content of the body, quickly depleting iron levels to replicate and produce more and more toxins.
A person infected with Corynebacterium diphtheriae is likely to experience symptoms within about a week of exposure. A sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and cough tend to develop first. As the airway and throat irritation worsens, an individual is likely to become very hoarse and experience severe shortness of breath. The skin may acquire a bluish tint due to lack of oxygen in the blood, and discolored skin lesions are common. Without treatment, inflammation of the heart and nerve cells can lead to cardiac arrest or partial paralysis.
When a doctor suspects a patient has diphtheria, they may collect a throat culture for laboratory analysis. Upon inspection, Corynebacterium diphtheriae can usually be differentiated from other bacteria based on its physical appearance. A pathologist can also determine the level of toxicity of a sample with further investigation.
After making a diagnosis, the patient is usually placed in a sterile hospital room and quarantined. Physicians notify hospital administrators and government disease control centers of the case to warn of the possibility of an epidemic. Treatment typically involves intravenous antitoxins to counteract the effect of the active Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. A patient who has severe respiratory complications may need to receive oxygen therapy, a breathing tube, or emergency airway surgery to prevent lung failure.
After immediate treatment, oral antibiotics such as penicillin are used to completely eradicate Corynebacterium diphtheriae from the body. Full recovery from symptoms can take several months, and patients should schedule regular visits to the doctor to monitor their health. Family members, colleagues or friends who come into contact with an infectious person are encouraged to receive medical checkups and booster shots as well to reduce the risk of an outbreak.
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