The type of Diphtheria with highest mortality is
Correct Answer: Laryngeal
Description: Clinical manifestations of diphtheria
1. Faucial (tonsillo pharyngeal) diphtheria
It is the commonest type of diphtherial infection.
Incubation period is 2-5 days.
Patients present with malaise, sore throat and moderate fever.
A thick adherent pseudomnembrane (gray or white) is present on one or both tonsils or adjacent pharynx.
Dislodging the membrane is likely to cause bleeding.
A small percentage of patients present with massive swelling of the tonsils and uvula with cervical lymphadenopathy (bull neck) and severe toxemia → Malignant diphtheria.
Systemic toxicity (toxemia) is usually most severe when pseudomembrane extends from tonsil and pharynx (faucial diphtheria) to adjacent areas.
2. Laryngeal diphtheria
Presents as hoarseness and cough.
It is the most severe form of respiratory diphtheria.
Trocheostomy may be required.
3.Nasal diphtheria
Presents with unilateral or bilateral nasal discharge.
Mildest form of respiratory diphtheria
4. Cutaneous diphtheria
Caused by nontoxigenic strains
Presents as distinct "punched out" ulcers.
More common in tropical areas.
Other less common type of diphtheria are conjunctiva, otitic, genital - (vulval, vaginal or prepucial), gastrointestinal.
Category:
Social & Preventive Medicine
Get More
Subject Mock Tests
Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.
Attempt a mock test nowMock Exam
Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.
Coming SoonGet More
Subject Mock Tests
Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.
Attempt a mock test now