Diphtheria Flashcards
1
Q
What is Diphtheria caused by?
A
Corynebacterium diphtheriae (gram-positive, non spore-forming, bacillus)
2
Q
How is Diphtheria contracted?
A
- Airborne
- Contact with infection secretions or lesions
3
Q
How long is the Diphtheria organism excreted from the nose, throat, eye, and skin lesions after infection?
A
2 to 6 weeks
4
Q
What is the incubation period for Diphtheria?
A
2 to 5 days
5
Q
What are the signs and symptoms of Diphtheria?
A
- Pseudomembranous nasopharyngitis
- Obstructive laryngotracheitis
- Bull neck
- Low grade fever
- Gradual onset of respiratory manifestations (sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing)
6
Q
What are some complications of Diphtheria?
A
Airway obstruction
7
Q
How do you diagnose Diphtheria?
A
- Obtain specimens for culture from nose, throat (obtained from beneath the membrane)
8
Q
What is the treatment for Diphtheria?
A
- Antitoxin (administered before culture comes back if Diphtheria is suspected)
- Antibiotics
9
Q
How can you prevent Diphtheria? (Prevention is Key!)
A
DTap immunization
