Diphtheria Flashcards
1
Q
Bacteria responsible for diphtheria
A
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
(Gm +ve bacilli)
2
Q
Pathophysiology of diphtheria
A
releases exotoxin
this kills mucosal cells
these then form ‘diphtheric membrane’ on tonsils
Systemic distribution may produce necrosis of myocardial, neural and renal cells
3
Q
Patients may present with diphtheria after returning from what countries?
A
- Eastern Europe
- Russia
- Asia
4
Q
Clinical features of diphtheria
A
sore throat
‘diphtheric membrane’
cervical lymphadenopathy
neuritis e.g. cranial nerves
heart block
5
Q
Diagnostic investigation for diphtheria
A
- bacterial throat swab for culture
(uses tellurite agar or Loeffler’s media)
6
Q
Management of diphtheria
A
IM penicillin
diphtheria antitoxin
7
Q
A
