Diphtheria
Diphtheria is caused by the Gram positive bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Pathophysiology
Diphtheria toxin commonly causes a 'diphtheric membrane' on tonsils caused by necrotic mucosal cells. Systemic distribution may produce necrosis of myocardial, neural and renal tissue
Possible presentations
Pathophysiology
- releases an exotoxin encoded by a β-prophage
- exotoxin inhibits protein synthesis by catalyzing ADP-ribosylation of elongation factor EF-2
Diphtheria toxin commonly causes a 'diphtheric membrane' on tonsils caused by necrotic mucosal cells. Systemic distribution may produce necrosis of myocardial, neural and renal tissue
Possible presentations
- recent visitors to Eastern Europe/Russia/Asia
- sore throat with a 'diphtheric membrane' - see above
- bulky cervical lymphadenopathy
- neuritis e.g. cranial nerves
- heart block