Otolaryngology Book

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DiphtheriaAka: Pseudomembranous Pharyngitis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae

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  1. Epidemiology
    1. Rare in United States due to Immunization (DTP, DTaP)
      1. However 20% of adults may be inadequate immune status
    2. Ongoing epidemic in the former USSR
  2. Etiology
    1. Corynebacterium Diphtheriae
  3. Symptoms
    1. Sore Throat
    2. Dysphagia
    3. Weakness
    4. Malaise
  4. Signs
    1. Toxic appearance
    2. Fever
    3. Tachycardia (out of proportion to fever)
    4. Pharyngeal erythema
    5. Gray-white tenacious exudate or "membrane"
      1. Occurs at tonsillar pillars and posterior pharynx
      2. Leaves focal hemorrhagic raw surface when removed
    6. Cervical Lymphadenopathy
  5. Differential Diagnosis
    1. Vincent's Angina (Trench Mouth)
      1. Also shows pseudomembrane formation
    2. Pharyngitis
  6. Labs
    1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
      1. Leukocytosis
    2. Throat Culture
      1. Positive for Corynebacterium organisms
  7. Management
    1. Diphtheria antitoxin
    2. Erythromycin 20-25 mg/kg q12 hours IV for 7-14 days
  8. Prevention
    1. DTP vaccination or DTaP vaccination

Corynebacterium diphtheriae (C0010150)

Definition (CSP)species of gram positive, asporogenous bacteria in which three cultural types are recognized; these types (gravis, intermedius, and mitis) were originally given in accordance with the clinical severity of the cases from which the different strains were most frequently isolated; the causative agent of diphtheria.
Definition (MSH)A species of gram-positive, asporogenous bacteria in which three cultural types are recognized. These types (gravis, intermedius, and mitis) were originally given in accordance with the clinical severity of the cases from which the different strains were most frequently isolated. This species is the causative agent of DIPHTHERIA.
ConceptsBacterium (T007)
EnglishBacillus diphtheriae, Bacterium diphtheriae, C. diphtheriae, CORYNEBACT DIPHTHERIAE, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Diphtheria bacillus, Microsporon diphthericum, Microsporon diphtheriticum, Mycobacterium diphtheriae, Pacinia loeffleri
SpanishBacilo diftérico, Bacilo difterico
CreditsDerived from the NIH UMLS (Unified Medical Language System)


Diphtheria (C0012546)

Definition (MSH)A localized infection of mucous membranes or skin caused by toxigenic strains of CORYNEBACTERIUM DIPHTHERIAE. It is characterized by the presence of a pseudomembrane at the site of infection. DIPHTHERIA TOXIN, produced by C. diphtheriae, can cause myocarditis, polyneuritis, and other systemic toxic effects.
Definition (CSP)localized infection of mucous membranes or skin caused by toxigenic strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae; it is characterized by the presence of a pseudomembrane at the site of infection; diphtheria toxin, produced by C. diphtheriae, can cause myocarditis, polyneuritis, and other systemic toxic effects.
ConceptsDisease or Syndrome (T047)
ICD9032, 032.9
EnglishDiphtheria, Diphtherias, Infection due to Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Spanishdifteria, infección por Corynebacterium diphteriae, infección por Corynebacterium diphtheriae, infeccion por Corynebacterium diphteriae, infeccion por Corynebacterium diphtheriae
CreditsDerived from the NIH UMLS (Unified Medical Language System)



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