Diphtheria

Key points

• Diphtheria is caused by the Gram positive bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae Pathophysiology
• releases an exotoxin encoded by a β-prophage
• exotoxin inhibits protein synthesis by catalyzing ADP- ribosylation of elongation factor EF-2 Diphtheria toxin commonly causes a 'diphtheric membrane' on tonsils caused by necrotic mucosal cells.
• recent visitors to Eastern Europe/Russia/Asia
• sore throat with a 'diphtheric membrane' - see above