Monday, November 15, 2010

DIPHTHERIA


Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by bacteria (Corynebacterium diphtheriae). Diphtheria occurs worldwide. The pathogen is spread mainly by droplet or contact infection or by dust. The diseases are piling up in the winter months. The time from infection to onset of the disease (incubation period) is 2-5 days. The infection is usually localized in the throat.

Symptoms:
The diphtheria pathogens produce a toxin (poison) that is responsible for the actual disease.

Localized diphtheria:
The bacteria remain localized to the throat, nose and throat area. The venom produced by them out at these points to a mucous membrane inflammation with formation of sweet-smelling, gray-white surfaces. Once the documents are rejected and they persist in the mucous membrane ulcers. Diphtherieart This is mostly benign, which means it is cured without leaving any significant damage.

Toxic diphtheria:
The inflammation and the formation of the gray-white documents is spreading to the trachea and bronchi. Breathing is difficult or even impossible hampered made so threatening that the sufferers of suffocation. The toxic effects are evident not only locally, but the poison attacks vital organs. It comes to the heart muscle damage that can lead even weeks after the disease to sudden cardiac death. Due to the damage of the nervous system can paralysis of eye muscles, leading to vision impairment, paralysis in the area of the soft palate, which lead to change hands, and later can form even paralysis of the neck muscles and arms.

Therapy:
As early as possible to the diphtheria antitoxin (antidote) to be administered. The bacteria themselves are fought by means of antibiotic.

Prophylaxis (prevention):
1. Vaccination:

* Against the poison of the diphtheria bacteria can you protect yourself by a vaccination. This consists of a toxoid, which rendered harmless poison the bacteria against which it is formed by the vaccine antibody. If you later come in contact with diphtheria bacteria, the body can immediately defend themselves against the bacterial toxin.
* In infants, the first Vaccination is administered at 3 months, usually in combination with a vaccination against tetanus. At 18 months, he is the 2nd Vaccination. At enrollment and at age 10, a booster dose should be performed. The vaccinations will be about 10 years, and receive should be re-refresh. The vaccine can be made up at any age.
* In recent years, occurred more frequently on diphtheria epidemic in the countries of the former Soviet Union. Should also remain vaccination fatigue persist, in the years to expect a rise in diphtheria disease.

2. Treatment of the bacteria carrier:
* Homemade diphtheria leaves a protection against the poison of the bacteria, but not against the bacteria itself this can spread the disease further support healthy bacteria. It is important to isolate the bacteria carrier and treated until they are free from bacteria.

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