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The Diphtheria bacteria that cause this acute infectious disease usually enter through the upper respiratory tract. During the incubation of one to seven days the germs make a toxin that is absorbed and carried through the
blood stream to all parts of the body. Then a fever begins, associated with a membrane on the throat, listlessness, pallor, weakness, and finally vascular
collapse. Although occasionally restricted to the nose, diphtheria usually involves the throat (the pharynx and larynx), and in tropical areas it is responsible for some cases of “jungle sore”. Complications may involve the
extension of the membrane, which obstructs the respiratory tract or equally serious a toxic myocarditis, a vascular collapse, or neuritis.

Patients with diphtheria should be isolated and kept on strict bed rest. Antitoxins should be obtained and given to the patient, while general supportive measures are carried out. Preventive immunization in infancy should be routine. The standard protocol of three initial DPT inoculations (or in the case of Pertussis sensitivity, a DT immunization is available) followed by booster doses at one and six years will usually confer lifelong protection.

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