diptheria
Noun (uncountable): An acute, highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, causing a thick gray coating that can obstruct breathing. It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae and can be prevented by vaccination.
- (A specific infectious disease.)
- (Historical medical context.)
- (Medical treatment for the infection.)
"diphtheria toxin": A potent exotoxin produced by the bacterium that causes tissue damage and systemic symptoms.
- The diphtheria toxin can damage the heart and nervous system if left untreated. (The harmful substance released by the bacteria.)
"diphtheria vaccine": A vaccine (often combined with tetanus and pertussis vaccines) that provides immunity against the disease.
- The diphtheria vaccine is typically given in childhood as part of the DTaP series. (A preventive immunization.)
Diphtheritic (adj): Relating to or affected by diphtheria.
- The patient developed a diphtheritic membrane in the throat. (A characteristic sign of the disease.)
Diphtheroid (adj/n): Resembling diphtheria; often refers to bacteria similar to Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
- The lab identified a diphtheroid organism that was non-pathogenic. (A bacterium resembling the diphtheria-causing one but not causing the disease.)
- Croup (n): A respiratory condition with similar symptoms (hoarseness and coughing), but not caused by the same bacterium.
- Pharyngeal diphtheria: A specific medical term for diphtheria affecting the throat.
"a diphtheria outbreak": A sudden increase in cases of the disease within a population.
- The health department responded quickly to contain the diphtheria outbreak. (An epidemic of the infection.)
"diphtheria carrier": A person who harbors the bacterium without showing symptoms but can spread it.
- The school nurse identified a diphtheria carrier among the students. (An asymptomatic infected individual.)