Miriam Galvan
Miriam Galvan
September 7, 2014
BIO 205 – 21042
Disease Information Draft
Diphtheria is a severe pharyngeal or cutaneous infection that may cause serious life threating consequences if left untreated. The causative agents of Diphtheria are toxigenic strains of Corynebaterium diphtheria; this agent is classified as Actinobacteria. The bacteria’s scientific name is Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Corynebacterium is the genus and diphtheriae is the species. The minor bacteria are non-sporulated, gram-positive, bacillus “with enlarged extremities” (Cohen & Powderly, 2010). With a range 0.5 to 1 µm units in diameter, the single strain of cells vary in size. Corynebacterium diphtheriae has fimbriae; this allows the bacteria to cling on to the hos-cell receptors.
The infection is prevalent in various countries around the world: South East Asia, South America, Eastern Europe, and the Indian Subcontinent. Periodically, the infection also appears in developed countries. Individuals who reside in unsanitary and overly crowded conditions, lack diphtheria immunization, and are mal nourished are at high risk to contract the infection (Martin, 2012). In the United States, the Native American population is the group with most reported cases in the past. Nevertheless, there are no current focused population groups as of today. Prior to the diphtheria vaccination, the amount of new cases and infections in the United States ranged from 100,000 to 200,000 annually. The mortality rate was around 15,000 deaths each year. Reported cases decreased dramatically due to the vaccination. Although outbreaks are unusual today, they still occur globally and mortality rates range between 5% and 10%.
Works Cited
Cohen J, Powderly WG. 2010. Corynebacterium Diphtheriae and C. Ulcerans. In: Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. China. Elsevier. Vol2, p. 1666-1670.
Martin JJ, Horn DL. 2012. Diphtheriae. In: Salem Health
September 7, 2014
BIO 205 – 21042
Disease Information Draft
Diphtheria is a severe pharyngeal or cutaneous infection that may cause serious life threating consequences if left untreated. The causative agents of Diphtheria are toxigenic strains of Corynebaterium diphtheria; this agent is classified as Actinobacteria. The bacteria’s scientific name is Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Corynebacterium is the genus and diphtheriae is the species. The minor bacteria are non-sporulated, gram-positive, bacillus “with enlarged extremities” (Cohen & Powderly, 2010). With a range 0.5 to 1 µm units in diameter, the single strain of cells vary in size. Corynebacterium diphtheriae has fimbriae; this allows the bacteria to cling on to the hos-cell receptors.
The infection is prevalent in various countries around the world: South East Asia, South America, Eastern Europe, and the Indian Subcontinent. Periodically, the infection also appears in developed countries. Individuals who reside in unsanitary and overly crowded conditions, lack diphtheria immunization, and are mal nourished are at high risk to contract the infection (Martin, 2012). In the United States, the Native American population is the group with most reported cases in the past. Nevertheless, there are no current focused population groups as of today. Prior to the diphtheria vaccination, the amount of new cases and infections in the United States ranged from 100,000 to 200,000 annually. The mortality rate was around 15,000 deaths each year. Reported cases decreased dramatically due to the vaccination. Although outbreaks are unusual today, they still occur globally and mortality rates range between 5% and 10%.
Works Cited
Cohen J, Powderly WG. 2010. Corynebacterium Diphtheriae and C. Ulcerans. In: Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. China. Elsevier. Vol2, p. 1666-1670.
Martin JJ, Horn DL. 2012. Diphtheriae. In: Salem Health
Cited: Cohen J, Powderly WG. 2010. Corynebacterium Diphtheriae and C. Ulcerans. In: Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. China. Elsevier. Vol2, p. 1666-1670. Martin JJ, Horn DL. 2012. Diphtheriae. In: Salem Health Infectious Diseases & Conditions. Ipswich (MA): Division of EBSCO Publishing. p. 326.