Diptheria Causative Agent: Corynabacterium Diphtheriae (klebs – Loeffler Bacilli) Mode

Diptheria Causative Agent: Corynabacterium diphtheriae (Klebs – loeffler bacilli) Mode of Transmission: Droplet, direct and indirect contact Incubation: 2 – 6 days Diptheria Signs and Symptoms: Nasal - excoriation of upper lip and nare with serosanguinous secretions Pharyngeal or faucial - PSEUDOMEMBRANE - BULL NECK APPEARANCE Laryngeal - laryngeal stridor - hoarseness of voice leading to aphonia - signs of respiratory distress Cutaneous or extrapulmonary - spread of causative agent to skin (ears, eyes, wound) Diptheria Diagnostic Examination: Nose and throat culture Schick’s test – intradermal injection of toxin, will show (+) without immunity , 1-3 cm Moloney test – intradermal injection of toxoid, if positive there is erythema within 24 hrs (hypersensitivity to Diptheria toxoid) Treatment: Penicillin G Sodium Supportive: Oxygen inhalation Tracheostomy Suction secretions Diptheria Nursing Care: Strict Isolation Complete bed rest Concurrent disinfection Proper disposal of naso-pharyngeal secretions Complete bed rest Liquid to soft diet Small frequent feedings Increase fluid intake Prevention: Avoid mode of transmission Immunization