Classification: ICD-9 032; ICD-10 A36
Syndromes and synonyms: Veldt sore (cutaneous diphtheria).
Agent: Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a Gram-positive, aerobic rod that is classified into three potentially toxigenic biotypes, intermedius, mitis, and gravis. Toxin producing strains of C. diphtheriae carry a bacteriophage-derived tox gene. Toxin-producing strains of C. ulcerans may also cause respiratory diphtheria.
Reservoir: Humans. Cattle and other livestock may harbor C. ulcerans.
Transmission: Respiratory droplets from people with respiratory diphtheria, or from asymptomatic throat or nasal carriers. Direct contact with discharge from the skin of cutaneous diphtheria cases. People recovering from diphtheria may carry the organism in the nasopharynx for weeks. Rarely from contaminated items. In the past, outbreaks have been linked to consumption of contaminated raw milk.
Incubation period: Usually 2–5 days (range 1–10 days).
Clinical findings
Related posts:
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
