Diphtheria

Generalities
Agent	- Bacteria: Corynebacterium diphtheria (4 biotypes: gravis, mitis, intermedius, and belfani), and Corynebacterium ulcerans - Toxin producer (DTX)
Incubation period	2-4 days (1-10 days)
Period of transmissibility	Usually 2 weeks
Reservoir	Humans
Modes of transmission	- Person-to person via droplets (respiratory secretions), skin lesions, or fomites; and rarely through indirect contact - Raw milk can serve as vehicle
Clinical presentation	- Anterior nasal, pharyngeal and tonsillar (pseudo-membranes), laryngeal (stridor) forms - Cutaneous diphtheria (vesicles and later ulcers) - May be asymptomatic - Main complications: myocarditis, neuropathy from mild weakness to total paralysis
Resources
Case definition	MOPH circular no 107 (2006)
Forms	- General reporting form - Diphtheria case investigation form - Diphtheria contacts investigation form
Data	Refer to "Surveillance data" webpage