Diphtheria-introduction

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that affects the tonsils, pharynx, larynx, nose, and skin . It produces a thick membrane which covers the area of inflammation. Children under 5 and adults over 60 years old are particularly at risk for contracting the infection. People living in crowded or unclean conditions, those who aren't well nourished , and children and adults who don't have up-to-date immunizations are also at risk.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection. It usually affects the nose and throat and causes a bad sore throat, swollen glands, fever and chills. It is caused by a bacteria named Corynebacterium diphtheriae. But the hallmark sign is a thick, gray covering in the back of your throat that can make breathing difficult. Diphtheria can also infect your skin. Years ago, diphtheria was a leading cause of death among children.

Once infected, dangerous substances produced by the bacteria can spread through your bloodstream to other organs, such as the heart, and cause significant damage. The most common complication is inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis). The nervous system is also frequently and severely affected, and may result in temporary paralysis
Risk factors include crowded environments, poor hygiene, and lack of immunization.
Diphtheria is a very contagious and potentially life-threatening bacterial disease.
Diphtheria usually attacks the throat and nose. In more serious cases, it can attack the heart and nerves.
Because of widespread immunization, diphtheria is very rare in the United States.
Diphtheria is re-emerging in some areas of the world where immunization practices are lax. Routine vaccination of both children and adults is essential to prevent the re-emergence of diphtheria in the United States.

What are the main causes of Diphtheria ?
Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria, which infects the throat and skin.

The bacterium produces a toxin (poison) that is carried in the bloodstream.
Diphtheria is mainly spread from person to person by direct contact with people who have the disease or carry it. It can also be spread by touching that thing, which infected person has used e.g. tissue or a cup, it can also be transmitted by face-to-face contact. The Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria lives in the infected person's nose, throat, skin, or eye discharges, and are passed from one person to other through the tiny droplets in sneezes and coughs.

The person may get diphtheria by touching the open sores of someone with skin diphtheria. Transition of bacteria through this medium is very common in tropical countries and in any area with crowded conditions and inadequate hygiene. Skin diphtheria causes a rash that is hard to distinguish from impetigo.

Diphtheria can also be spread via bloodstream to other organs, where it can cause significant damage. Although the toxin can damage any tissue, the heart - but infection in throat is most common and it produces a characteristic gray coating inside the throat, making it hard to breathe.
A person who has the disease may get infected within two and four weeks, but sometimes when the person does not gets infected then also he may the carrier of the bacteria for a longer. The bacteria of diphtheria may increase and multiply on the moist parts of the mouth and throat, where they cause inflammation.

Diphtheria may be mild or severe. Some people may not have symptoms. In others, the disease can slowly get worse.
Some other reasons of  causing Diphtheria:
Diphtheria may be usually transmitted by contact with respiratory droplets from infected persons or asymptomatic carriers.
Diphtheria can also be transmitted by contaminated objects like contaminated milk. The most serious complications are caused by a toxin produced by the diphtheria bacterium that can damage the heart, nervous system and, less often, the kidneys.
Very rarely, food contaminated with the diphtheria bacterium can infect others.