Diphtheria Clinical Manifestations and Complications
Primary Clinical Manifestations
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that diphtheria be characterized by sore throat, low-grade fever, and an adherent gray-colored pseudomembrane of the tonsil(s), pharynx, and/or nose 1, 2
- Sore throat is a hallmark symptom, often the first indication of infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 3
- Low-grade fever commonly accompanies the infection, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 3
- The most distinctive feature is the development of a gray-colored pseudomembrane that is firmly adherent to the mucosa lining the nasopharynx, tonsils, pharynx, larynx, and nose, as described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 2, 3, 4
Progression and Complications
- Extension of the pseudomembrane into the trachea-bronchial tree can cause life-threatening airway obstruction, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2, 4
- Systemic absorption and dissemination of diphtheria toxin can lead to serious complications, including cardiac complications (toxin-mediated myocarditis) and neurologic complications (toxin-mediated neuropathy), as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2, 4, 5
Risk Factors for Severe Disease
- Vaccination status is a significant risk factor, with unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated individuals being at highest risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 6, 7