Diphtheria
At one time in our community, diphtheria caused more deaths than any other infectious disease. This has changed to the point that most doctors who have not worked in developing countries have never seen a case.
Diphtheria is caused by a bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It usually causes infection in the upper respiratory tract, producing a grey membrane that may obstruct breathing. In addition, the bacteria produce a toxin (poison) that may affect nerves and the heart.
Immunisation with diphtheria vaccine is the reason for the dramatic reduction in this dangerous infection in Western countries. But in other parts of the world things are not under such good control. An epidemic in the former USSR in the mid-1990s was reported to have affected nearly 50,000 people, with nearly 2000 deaths in 1994. Most of those affected were aged over 15 years.
With increasing international travel no one can afford to ignore this problem. Diphtheria vaccination is part of the routine childhood immunisation programme. Some adults may have missed this and may be at risk. They should see their doctor for catch-up vaccination. Booster doses of diphtheria vaccine are recommended at 4 years, at 15 to 17 years and at 50 years.
Last Reviewed: 07 October 2003
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