DIPHTHERIA

BACTERIA

WHAT IS DIPHTHERIA BACTERIA ?

Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make toxin
(poison). It can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, and even death. CDC recommends vaccines for
infants, children, teens, and adults to prevent diphtheria.
SIGN AND
SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms may include: 

 A thick, gray membrane covering your throat and tonsils

 A sore throat and hoarseness

 Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in your neck

 Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing

 Nasal discharge

 Fever and chills

 Tiredness

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CAUSE AND
SPREAD TO
OTHER 
 • Diphtheria is an infection caused by strains of bacteria
called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make toxin.
 • Diphtheria spreads from person to person, usually
through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneeze .

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DIPHTHERIA
VACCINES
Diphtheria vaccine is a toxoid vaccine against diphtheria, an illness caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Its use
has resulted in a more than 90% decrease in number of cases globally between 1980 and 2000.
The primary UK vaccination course consists of three doses of diphtheria-toxoid containing vaccine at 8, 12 and 16
weeks of age. A first booster should be administered at around 3 years and 4 months and a second booster between 13
to 18 years of age.

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HOW TO PREVENT DIPHTHERIA
Vaccination. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best way to prevent diphtheria. In the United
States, there are four vaccines used to prevent diphtheria: DTaP, Tdap, DT, and Td.

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This is how Diphtheria look like
under a microscope