Diphtheria
By: Keziah Kozanoglu & Evelyn
Johansson
What is Diphtheria?
• Diphtheria (dif-THEER-e-uh) is a
serious bacterial infection that
usually
affects
the
mucous
membranes of the nose and throat.
It is caused by strains of bacteria
called Corynebacterium diphtheriae
that make toxin (poison).
What is the chain of infection?
Causative Agent: Corynebacterium
diphtheriae
Reservoir: Mouth, nose and throat
Port of Entry: Respiratory tract (nose,
nasal
cavity,
pharynx,
larynx,
trachea, bronchi, and lungs), cuts on
the skin and mucus membranes
Mode of Transmission: Person-toperson
through
airborne
or
respiratory
droplets
and
contaminated personal or household
items
Port of Exit: Airborne or respiratory
droplets from an already infected
person
Susceptible Host: Anyone who is not
vaccinated
Corynebacterium
diphtheriae,
usually multiplies on or near the
surface of the throat or skin. C.
diphtheriae spreads through:
Airborne droplets. When an infected
person‘s sneeze or cough releases a
mist of contaminated droplets,
people nearby may inhale C.
diphtheriae.
Diphtheria
spreads
easily this way, especially in
crowded conditions.
Contaminated
personal
or
household
items.
People
sometimes catch diphtheria from
handling an infected person’s
things, such as used tissues or
hand towels, that may be
contaminated with the bacteria.
Touching
an infected wound
also can transfer diphtheriacausing bacteria.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS
AND SYMPTOMS?
• Diphtheria signs and symptoms
usually begin 2 to 5 days after a
person becomes infected. Signs
and symptoms may include:
• A thick gray membrane
covering the throat and
tonsils
• A sore throat and hoarseness
• Swollen glands (enlarged
lymph nodes in the neck)
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Nasal discharge
Fever and chills
Tiredness
• In some people, infection with
diphtheria-causing bacteria causes
only a mild illness — or no obvious
signs and symptoms at all. Infected
people who stay unaware of their
illness are known as carriers
because they can spread the
infection
without
being
sick
themselves.
Medical Management
Critical care
complications
addressed.
needs
must
and
be
 Specific antitoxin
 Isolation
https://nurseslabs.com/diphtheria/
Nursing Assessment
The aims of treatment are to inactivate toxin, to kill the
organism, and to prevent respiratory obstruction
1. Strict bed rest, strict isolation
2. Cleansing throat gargle may be ordered
3. Liquid or soft diet or parenteral fluid
4. Observe for respiratory obstruction
5. Suction as needed
6. Oxygen therapy
7. Antitoxin is given against toxin
8. Toxoid is given to immunized contact
9. Broad spectrum antibiotic is given against diphtheria
https://www.slideshare.net/openmichigan/gemc-nursing2012perryid-typhoidfeverinfectiousdiarrheaoer
bacilli.
• Preventive Measures
Diphtheria vaccination
Immunization & childhood
vaccination
Antibiotics
•https://www.cdc.gov/diphtheria/about/prevention.html#:~:text=preteens%2C%20and%20adults.,Vaccination,prevent%20pertussis%20(whooping%20cough).
DOH PREVENTIVE
MEASURES / PROGRAM
OF DIPHTHERIA:
 National Immunization
of infants with 3 doses
of DPT (at ages 6
weeks old, 10 weeks
old and 14 weeks old).
https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/NIP-MOP-Booklet%201.pdf
OBJECTIVES
To reduce the morbidity and mortality among
children against the most common vaccinepreventable diseases.
Specific Goals:
1. To immunize all infants/children against the
most common vaccine-preventable diseases.
2. To control diphtheria
https://doh.gov.ph/expanded-program-on-immunization#:~:text=To%20reduce%20the%20morbidity%20and,most%20common%20vaccine%2Dpreventable%20diseases.
Nursing Roles and Responsibilities
•Maintain a master list of eligible
children for immunization.
•Administer immunization following the
protocols in right administration of
vaccines
•Infuse proper aseptic technique and
infection control
•Provide health teachings
•Conduct
visits
community
in
the
•Have an updated record of
children
https://rnspeak.com/expanded-program-on-immunization/