Diphtheria Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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diphtheria
[ˌdɪfˈθɪərɪə ]
Definition
medical condition
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the throat and nose. It is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. When a person is infected, a thick membrane can form in the throat, leading to difficulty breathing, heart failure, and sometimes death if left untreated. Vaccination has significantly reduced the incidence of diphtheria in many parts of the world, but it is still a concern in regions with low vaccination rates.
Synonyms
Corynebacterium infection.
Examples of usage
- The doctor diagnosed her with diphtheria.
- Children are vaccinated against diphtheria in their early years.
- Diphtheria can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
History
- In the late 1800s, the discovery of the diphtheria bacillus by Friedrich Loeffler helped establish its bacterial cause.
- The introduction of a vaccine in the 1920s dramatically reduced the number of cases.
- Diphtheria was a major cause of childhood death before vaccines became common.
Public Health
- Vaccination against diphtheria is included in childhood vaccination schedules worldwide, significantly lowering prevalence.
- Outbreaks still occur in areas with low vaccination rates, illustrating the importance of immunization.
- The World Health Organization encourages global vaccination efforts to prevent resurgence.
Symptoms and Treatment
- Common symptoms include a sore throat, fever, and a grayish coating in the throat and nose.
- Treatment often involves injections of antitoxin and antibiotics to help the body fight the infection.
- Immediate medical attention is crucial to managing this infection, as it can lead to severe complications.
Science
- Diphtheria is caused by the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacterium, which releases toxins affecting the heart and nervous system.
- Research continues on how to better understand the bacteria's resistance to antibiotics, aiming to improve treatments.
Origin of 'diphtheria'
Main points about word origin
- The name comes from the Greek word 'diphtheria', meaning 'leather membrane', referring to a thick coating that can form in the throat.
- The disease was first described in the early 1800s, but it became more recognized in the late 19th century.
The word 'diphtheria' originates from the Greek word 'diphthera', meaning 'leather'. This reflects the characteristic thick, leather-like membrane that forms in the throat of infected individuals. Diphtheria was first recognized in the early 19th century, and its causative agent, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, was identified in the late 1800s. Prior to the development of vaccines in the early 20th century, diphtheria was a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children. The introduction of widespread immunization programs has led to a dramatic decline in cases, although outbreaks still occur in areas with lower vaccination coverage.