noun an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, typically affecting the throat and sometimes other parts of the body
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that affects the throat and airways, causing difficulty breathing and potentially leading to serious complications.
Diphtheria vaccination is a crucial part of public health efforts to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.
Studying the diphtheria toxin and its mechanism of action is key to developing treatments and vaccines against the disease.
Tracking diphtheria cases and monitoring trends in transmission is important for understanding the disease's spread and implementing control measures.
Diphtheria may be mentioned in historical fiction novels set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as it was a common and deadly disease during that time period.
Psychologists may study the psychological impact of diphtheria on individuals who have survived the disease or lost loved ones to it.
Medical researchers may study diphtheria to develop new treatments or vaccines to prevent the disease.
Public health officials may track and monitor cases of diphtheria in a community to prevent outbreaks and protect public health.