Diphtheria

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Antibodies

Diphtheria

Treatment:

Diphtheria antitoxin is given as an intramuscular or intravenous injection as soon as the diagnosis is suspected. The infection is then treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin or erythromycin.

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People with diphtheria may require hospitalization for supportive treatment and during the administration of antitoxin. Insertion of an endotracheal tube and/or removal of the obstructing membrane may be required if airway obstruction is present. Intravenous fluids, oxygen, bed rest, and cardiac monitoring (due to the possibility of myocarditis) are usually indicated.

Immunization or booster shots for all contacts of the infected person, including health care personnel, should be given. Individuals found to be carriers of diphtheria are treated with antibiotics as well.

Protective immunity lasts only 10 years from the time of vaccination, so it is important for adults to get a booster of tetanus-diptheria (Td) vaccine every 10 years.

Expectations (prognosis):

The death rate is 10%. Recovery from the illness is slow; therefore, activities must be resumed slowly.

Complications:

The diphtheria toxin can damage the heart, nervous system, kidneys, or other organs resulting in disorders such as:

Myocarditis which can lead to heart failure.
Neurologic palsies or peripheral neuritis causing uncoordinated movements and other symptoms (develops in 3 to 7 weeks). Severe nerve damage can cause paralysis.
Kidney damage or nephritis may occur.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if exposure to diphtheria has occurred. Remember that diphtheria is a rare disease. Diphtheria is also a reportable disease, and any cases are often publicized in the newspaper or on television. This information can make you aware if diphtheria is present in your area.