Department of Health

Website of the Department of Health

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Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacteria diphtheriae affecting the upper respiratory tract and occasionally the skin. It is characterised by an inflammatory exudate, which forms a greyish membrane in the respiratory tract. Virulent strains of C. diphtheriae produce a toxin, which can damage heart and nervous tissues. Spread is by droplet infections and through contact with articles soiled by infected persons. An effective vaccine against the disease was introduced in 1940.

Key documents for health professionals

Immunisation against infectious disease - The Green Book

See the section under Diphtheria for the latest information on vaccines and vaccination procedures.

Getting ahead of the curve

Published: 10/01/2002

This sets out an infectious diseases strategy for England. It aims to describe the scope of the threat posed by infectious diseases, as well as establishing the priorities for action to combat the threat.

Additional links

Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation

Advises UK health ministers on communicable diseases that can be prevented by immunisation.

On other sites

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