Diphtheria

The 'bull neck' symptom of the Diphtheria virus

Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It can be treated by special drugs, or by antibiotics. A vaccine is available. It is feared mainly because of complications that can occur:

• Inflammation of the heart, which can lead to death
• Different forms of paralysis, by poisoning of nerve cells
• Pneumonia
• Encephalitis
• Different problems with the kidneys