Diphtheria
An acute illness, diphtheria is caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Toxins (poisonous substances) produced by the bacteria affect the respiratory tract (lung and windpipe), nervous system, adrenal gland and heart muscle cells.
Spread by droplets or direct contact with wounds and materials soiled by infected persons, diphtheria takes 2 to 5 days after infection for symptoms to show.
The disease mainly affects the respiratory tract but skin can also become infected. The bacteria form a ‘membrane’ of dead white blood cells in the upper respiratory tract, causing breathing difficulties. The diphtheria toxin can cause nerve and heart damage.
Diphtheria is a vaccine preventable disease.
Vaccination recommended for routine childhood immunisation is listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule and funded for children under the Immunise Australia Program.
For technical information refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition 2008 (NHMRC).
Page last modified: 08 April, 2008