Diphtheria in Children

Introduction to Diphtheria in Children

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the upper respiratory tract and can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Although vaccination has significantly reduced its incidence in developed countries, diphtheria remains a concern in areas with low immunization rates.

In children, diphtheria can be particularly dangerous due to their smaller airways and developing immune systems. Understanding the disease's etiology, clinical presentation, and management is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.



Diphtheria in Children: Objective QnA
  1. What is the causative agent of diphtheria?
    Corynebacterium diphtheriae
  2. Which toxin is responsible for the main clinical manifestations of diphtheria?
    Diphtheria toxin
  3. What is the most common site of infection in respiratory diphtheria?
    Pharynx and tonsils
  4. What is the characteristic appearance of the pharyngeal membrane in diphtheria?
    Grayish-white, adherent pseudomembrane
  5. Which age group is most commonly affected by diphtheria in endemic areas?
    Children under 15 years old
  6. What is the primary mode of transmission for diphtheria?
    Respiratory droplets
  7. Which vaccine is used to prevent diphtheria?
    DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis) vaccine
  8. What is the recommended antibiotic treatment for diphtheria?
    Penicillin or erythromycin
  9. What specific treatment is given along with antibiotics for diphtheria?
    Diphtheria antitoxin
  10. What potentially fatal complication can occur due to diphtheria toxin affecting the heart?
    Myocarditis
  11. How long does the incubation period of diphtheria typically last?
    2-5 days
  12. What is the mortality rate of respiratory diphtheria if left untreated?
    Up to 50%
  13. Which organ system, other than respiratory, can be affected by diphtheria?
    Skin (cutaneous diphtheria)
  14. What is the recommended isolation period for a patient with diphtheria?
    Until two negative cultures are obtained at least 24 hours apart
  15. Which laboratory test is used to confirm the diagnosis of diphtheria?
    Culture of C. diphtheriae from throat swab
  16. What is the name of the selective medium used for culturing C. diphtheriae?
    Löffler's medium
  17. Which toxin-mediated complication can lead to paralysis in diphtheria?
    Peripheral neuropathy
  18. What is the recommended booster schedule for diphtheria vaccination in children?
    At 4-6 years and then every 10 years
  19. How does diphtheria toxin cause cell death?
    By inhibiting protein synthesis
  20. What is the significance of the Elek test in diphtheria diagnosis?
    It determines if the C. diphtheriae isolate is toxin-producing
  21. Which country reported the highest number of diphtheria cases globally in recent years?
    India
  22. What is the name of the prophylactic treatment given to close contacts of a diphtheria case?
    Erythromycin or penicillin
  23. How does herd immunity play a role in diphtheria prevention?
    It reduces transmission by limiting the number of susceptible individuals
  24. What is the typical duration of antibiotic treatment for diphtheria?
    14 days
  25. Which complication of diphtheria can lead to airway obstruction?
    Pseudomembrane extension into the larynx and trachea
  26. What is the role of the diphtheria tox gene in pathogenesis?
    It encodes the diphtheria toxin
  27. How does cutaneous diphtheria differ from respiratory diphtheria in terms of severity?
    Cutaneous diphtheria is generally less severe
  28. What is the recommended method for obtaining a throat swab in suspected diphtheria?
    Swabbing the edge of the pseudomembrane
  29. Which historical event led to a significant increase in diphtheria cases in the 1990s?
    The collapse of the Soviet Union
  30. What is the mechanism of action of diphtheria antitoxin?
    It neutralizes circulating toxin not yet bound to tissues


Disclaimer

The notes provided on Pediatime are generated from online resources and AI sources and have been carefully checked for accuracy. However, these notes are not intended to replace standard textbooks. They are designed to serve as a quick review and revision tool for medical students and professionals, and to aid in theory exam preparation. For comprehensive learning, please refer to recommended textbooks and guidelines.





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