1. Dr Paul T Francis, MD Prof. Com Med College of Medicine, Zawia
Diphtheria الخناق
Dr Paul T Francis, MD
Prof. Com Med
College of Medicine, Zawia

2. Diphtheria Acute disease affecting the throat, tonsils and nose
It can also cause toxemia which can be fatal
It is seen mainly in the under developed countries
In Libya, Diphtheria is very rare due to good immunization coverage

3. Agent factors Agent – C. diphtheriae
Source of infection – case or carrier (includes chronic carriers)
Mode of transmission – droplet infection
Portal of entry
Respiratory route (mainly)
Wounds of the skin (rarely)
Incubation period – 2-6 days

4. Epidemiological features
Diphtheria is a disease of childhood(طفولة)

5. Diphtheria of the throat

6. Swelling of the neck due to Diphtheria in the throat

7. Diphtheria of the skin (neck)

8. Prevention and Control
Cases should be isolated to prevent spread of disease
Primary prevention
Immunisation
Secondary prevention
Early diagnosis and treatment

9. Diphtheria immunisation
Immunization
In Libya, Diphtheria vaccine is included(مشمول) in the Penta vaccine
3 doses of Diphtheria vaccine (Penta) is given at 2, 4 and 6 months in the first year
4th dose of Diphtheria vaccine is given at 18 months (DPT)
5th dose of Diphtheria vaccine is given at 6 years (DT)

10. Summary Diphtheria is an acute disease of childhood
Affects the throat and can cause death if severe
Diphtheria can be prevented by vaccination
3 doses are given in the first year [2, 4 & 6 months(الشهور)]
4th dose at 18 months
5th dose at 6 years