Diphtheria

From MicrobeWiki, the student-edited microbiology resource
University of Oklahoma Study Abroad Microbiology in Arezzo, Italy[1]

Etiology/Bacteriology

Taxonomy

| Domain = Bacteria | Phylum = Actinobacteria | Class = Actinobacteria | Order = Actinomycetales | Family = Corynebacteriaceae | Genus = Corynebacterium | Species = Diphtheriae

Description

Diphtheria is caused by an infection of C. diphtheriae. Four subspecies are recognized: C. d. mitis, C. d. intermedius, C. d. gravis, and C. d. belfanti. In sufficiently low iron concentrations, 'C. diphtheria' is known to produce diphtheria toxins.

Pathogenesis

Virulence factors

Mechanism

Adherence

Invasion of the cell

Encountering macrophages

Clinical features

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Host immune response

References