Diphtheria is an infectious disease that mostly attacks infants, children, and adolescents. It is caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium Diptheriae that spread through salivary excretion from a sneeze or a cough. Although easily preventable with a vaccine, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, diphtheria is a deadly disease. The WHO documents at least 7321 diphtheria cases in 2014.
Diphtheria starts with the entrance of Corynebacterium Diptheriae via respiratory system, causing an infection with toxins as the byproduct. These toxins cause necrotic tissue to form, resulting in a thick grey layer called pseudomembrane that covers the linings of nose, tonsils, and throat. Pseudomembrane makes it hard for the patient to swallow and breathe and may result in death. If the toxins entered the bloodstream, they might also cause complications such as myocarditis, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
Symptoms of diphtheria are:
- Moderate fever (approximately 38 degrees C)
- Hoarse voice
- Sore throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes
Diphtheria is an enduring disease that recently made a reappearance. According to the Ministry of Health of Indonesia, in 2017 there are 622 cases of diphtheria, in which 32 have resulted in death. Diphtheria is also prevalent in Yemen and the Middle Eastern countries.
To prevent diphtheria, one should get vaccinated. Vaccine DTaP, Tdap, DT, and Td can prevent both diphtheria and tetanus. DTaP and DT, which are given to children under 7 years old, can also prevent the disease pertussis (whooping cough). Meanwhile, Tdap and Td can be administered to children, adolescents, and adults.
Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Tinystep.in
Source(s):
- Imunisasi efektif cegah difteri, Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia (2016)
http://www.depkes.go.id/pdf.php?id=16021500001, 06 December 2017. - Diphtheria, Central for Disease Control and Prevention (2016)
https://www.cdc.gov/diphtheria/index.html, 06 December 2017. - Lima hal yang perlu anda ketahui soal wabah difteri di 20 provinsi, BBC Indonesia (2017)
http://www.bbc.com/indonesia/majalah-42215042, 06 December 2017.