Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that is caused by the Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It is a potentially serious and highly contagious disease that primarily affects the respiratory system, but can also affect other organs. Diphtheria can be life-threatening, particularly in children and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Diphtheria is typically transmitted through respiratory droplets from an infected person when they cough, sneeze, or talk. It can also be spread by coming into contact with contaminated objects or surfaces. The bacteria produce a toxin that can cause severe inflammation and damage to the respiratory tract, leading to difficulty in breathing and other complications.

Symptoms of diphtheria can vary but commonly include sore throat, fever, chills, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, swollen neck glands (known as "bull neck"), and a thick gray or white coating at the back of the throat or tonsils. In severe cases, diphtheria can cause complications such as airway obstruction, heart and nerve damage, and even death.

Diagnosis of diphtheria usually involves a combination of clinical examination, laboratory tests, and identification of the bacterium C. diphtheriae from swab samples taken from the throat or other affected areas. Rapid testing and culture are commonly used to confirm the presence of the bacteria and determine the appropriate treatment.

Our Diphtheria Test Package Includes: