What does the diphtheria toxin do?
What does the diphtheria toxin do?
Diphtheria toxin (DT) is an extracellular protein of Corynebacterium diphtheriae that inhibits protein synthesis and kills susceptible cells.
What does corynebacteria look like?
The corynebacteria are gram-positive bacilli that are nonspore forming club-shaped rods. The name is derived from the Greek koryne, which stands for club. In a typical Gram stain these bacteria appear as V-in Y-shaped arrangements or in clumps that resemble Chinese letters.
Where is diphtheria found?
Diphtheria is found in many areas, including:
- Asia.
- the South Pacific.
- the Middle East.
- eastern Europe.
- the Caribbean.
What happens if diphtheria is left untreated?
Left untreated, diphtheria can lead to: Breathing problems. Diphtheria-causing bacteria may produce a toxin. This toxin damages tissue in the immediate area of infection — usually, the nose and throat.
Who does diphtheria affect most?
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection. It spreads easily and happens quickly, and mainly affects the nose and throat. Children under 5 and adults over 60 years old are particularly at risk for getting it.
How do I get rid of Corynebacterium?
The goal is both to kill the organism and to terminate toxin production. Many antibiotics are effective, including penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, rifampin, and tetracycline; erythromycin or penicillin is the treatment of choice and is usually given for 14 days.
How was diphtheria eradicated?
Implementation of childhood vaccination virtually eliminated diphtheria from developed countries after the Second World War and implementation of the Expanded Program on Immunization in developing countries led to rapid declines in diphtheria globally in the 1980s.
Are there long term effects of diphtheria?
Damage to the heart muscle (myocarditis) Nerve damage (polyneuropathy) Loss of the ability to move (paralysis) Kidney failure.
What is the pathophysiology of diphtheria?
Diphtheria is an acute, toxin-mediated disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae The name of the disease is derived from the Greek diphthera, meaning leather hide. The disease was described in the 5th century BCE by Hippocrates, and epidemics were described in the 6th century AD by Aetius.
What is the classification of Corynebacterium diphtheriae?
a family of corynebacteriophages that carry the structural gene for diphtheria toxin, tox. Corynebacterium diphtheriaeis classified into biotypes (mitis, intermedius, and gravis) according to colony morphology, as well as into lysotypes based upon corynebacteriophage sensitivity. Most strains
What are the characteristics of diphtheria bacilli?
McLeod and Anderson classified diphtheria bacilli, based on the colony characteristics on Tellurite medium and other properties like biochemical reactions and severity of disease. ≥ 2mm, dull greyish black, opaque colonies, daisy head, brittle, like cold margarine.
What is the incubation period of diphtheria?
The incubation period of diphtheria is 2–5 days (range, 1–10 days). Disease can involve almost any mucous membrane. For clinical purposes, it is convenient to classify diphtheria into a number of manifestations, depending on the anatomic site of disease. Anterior Nasal Diphtheria
