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Diphtheria
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Diphtherie
a chronic infection caused by a gram-positive bacterium and characterized by the formation of a false membrane in the air passages, particularly those of the throat
What is "diphtheria"?
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by a bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It usually affects the throat and nose, leading to the formation of a thick grayish coating in the throat, fever, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. Diphtheria spreads when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes, releasing saliva or mucus or by touching contaminated surfaces. In serious cases, it can lead to breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis, and even death. Vaccination with the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP) vaccine is highly effective in preventing diphtheria.
Beispiel
Prior to the development of vaccines, diseases like smallpox and diphtheria regularly caused deadly epidemics.
