Diphtheria
Diphtheria
CLSM 327-Clinical and Pathogenic Microbiology I
February 19, 2012
Introduction
Diphtheria has been register in history as early as the fifth century and was later isolated as a bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheria (CDC Diphtheria, 2012). Diphtheria can manifest itself in the upper respiratory system and the skin. It can further affect the heart and peripheral nerves causing paralysis and death. The route of infection is close contact with the infected person or soil objects. Today this bacterial infection is rarely seen, no reported cases since two thousand and three. Reports in Russian and European countries that have under developed cities have seen out brakes (CDC, 2012).
Pathogenesis
Corynebacterium diphtheria bacteria is a nonmotile, noncapsulated, club-shaped, Gram-positive bacillus” (NCBI, 2012). The mechanism of Corynebacterium diphtheria can be broken down into two. Further research into the exact binding to cell membrane has been vanquished due to low to no incidence and mortality.
The first step is to colonize or adhere in the nasopharyngeal cavity or the skin. The nasal cavity includes the tissues of the throat, tonsils, pharynx and nose (CDC, 2012). In this stage the bacteria multiplies and matures. Tissue degenerate and ulcerate forming a pseudo membrane that blocks oxygen from reaching the lungs and or ulcers on the skin (Textbookofbateriology, 2012).
The second step is for Corynebacterium diphtheria to produce diphtheria toxin. In this form Corynebacterium diphtheria can travel into the blood stream by first entering the lymph system and into tissues and organs. The organs and tissues include the heart, muscle, peripheral nerves, adrenals, kidneys, liver and spleen (CDC Diphtheria, 2012). If the toxin is not neutralized and stopped from moving to vital organs, it can cause death.
Mode of Transmission Corynebacterium diphtheria can be spread by two different ways in human. It can be
CLSM 327-Clinical and Pathogenic Microbiology I
February 19, 2012
Introduction
Diphtheria has been register in history as early as the fifth century and was later isolated as a bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheria (CDC Diphtheria, 2012). Diphtheria can manifest itself in the upper respiratory system and the skin. It can further affect the heart and peripheral nerves causing paralysis and death. The route of infection is close contact with the infected person or soil objects. Today this bacterial infection is rarely seen, no reported cases since two thousand and three. Reports in Russian and European countries that have under developed cities have seen out brakes (CDC, 2012).
Pathogenesis
Corynebacterium diphtheria bacteria is a nonmotile, noncapsulated, club-shaped, Gram-positive bacillus” (NCBI, 2012). The mechanism of Corynebacterium diphtheria can be broken down into two. Further research into the exact binding to cell membrane has been vanquished due to low to no incidence and mortality.
The first step is to colonize or adhere in the nasopharyngeal cavity or the skin. The nasal cavity includes the tissues of the throat, tonsils, pharynx and nose (CDC, 2012). In this stage the bacteria multiplies and matures. Tissue degenerate and ulcerate forming a pseudo membrane that blocks oxygen from reaching the lungs and or ulcers on the skin (Textbookofbateriology, 2012).
The second step is for Corynebacterium diphtheria to produce diphtheria toxin. In this form Corynebacterium diphtheria can travel into the blood stream by first entering the lymph system and into tissues and organs. The organs and tissues include the heart, muscle, peripheral nerves, adrenals, kidneys, liver and spleen (CDC Diphtheria, 2012). If the toxin is not neutralized and stopped from moving to vital organs, it can cause death.
Mode of Transmission Corynebacterium diphtheria can be spread by two different ways in human. It can be