Corynebacterium diphtheriae

Corynebacterium diphtheriae (pronunciation: kor-uh-nee-bak-TEER-ee-uh dif-THEER-ee-ay) is a species of bacteria that is pathogenic to humans. It is the causative agent of diphtheria, a serious and potentially fatal infectious disease.

Etymology

The name Corynebacterium diphtheriae is derived from the Greek words koryne (club) and bakterion (little rod), referring to the bacterium's club-shaped appearance. Diphtheriae comes from diphthera, the Greek word for leather, which refers to the characteristic pseudomembrane formed in the throat of those infected.

Characteristics

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium. It is aerobic, meaning it requires oxygen to grow. The bacterium produces a potent exotoxin, known as diphtheria toxin, which is responsible for the symptoms of diphtheria.

Pathogenesis

Infection with Corynebacterium diphtheriae typically occurs through respiratory droplets. Once in the respiratory tract, the bacteria attach to the mucosal cells and start to multiply. The diphtheria toxin produced by the bacteria interferes with protein synthesis in the host cells, leading to cell death and the formation of a pseudomembrane.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for Corynebacterium diphtheriae infection involves the administration of antitoxin to neutralize the diphtheria toxin and antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Prevention is primarily through vaccination with the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Wikipedia's article - Corynebacterium diphtheriae

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