C DIPHTHERIAE Meaning and
Definition
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C diphtheriae refers to Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which is a bacterial species that causes diphtheria, a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening respiratory tract infection.
C diphtheriae is a Gram-positive, non-motile, and non-spore-forming bacterium that typically colonizes the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. It produces a potent exotoxin known as diphtheria toxin, which is responsible for the characteristic symptoms and complications of the disease.
Infection with C diphtheriae primarily occurs through respiratory droplets, but can also occur through direct contact with skin lesions or objects contaminated with bacteria. Once the bacterium enters the body, it multiplies and releases the toxin, which damages the respiratory epithelium and forms a greyish-white membrane in the throat, obstructing the airways.
Symptoms of diphtheria include sore throat, low-grade fever, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, the toxin produced by C diphtheriae can lead to severe complications affecting the heart, nervous system, and kidneys.
Diagnosis of C diphtheriae infection is typically confirmed by laboratory tests, such as culture and identification of the bacterium from throat or wound specimens.
Prevention of diphtheria is primarily achieved through vaccination with the diphtheria toxoid vaccine, which is often combined with vaccines against tetanus and pertussis (DTP vaccine). Prompt treatment with antibiotics, such as erythromycin or penicillin, along with administration of diphtheria antitoxin, is crucial to treat the infection and prevent its spread.
Common Misspellings for C DIPHTHERIAE
- x diphtheriae
- v diphtheriae
- f diphtheriae
- d diphtheriae
- c siphtheriae
- c xiphtheriae
- c ciphtheriae
- c fiphtheriae
- c riphtheriae
- c eiphtheriae
- c duphtheriae
- c djphtheriae
- c dkphtheriae
- c dophtheriae
- c d9phtheriae
- c d8phtheriae
- c diohtheriae
- c dilhtheriae
- c di-htheriae
- c di0htheriae
Etymology of C DIPHTHERIAE
The word "C diphtheriae" is not directly derived from any specific etymology as it is an abbreviation for the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. However, each component of the abbreviation has its own origin:
1. Corynebacterium: The term "Corynebacterium" is derived from the Greek words "korynee" meaning "club" and "bakterion" meaning "rod". This name was given to the bacterium due to its characteristic club-shaped appearance when observed under a microscope.
2. diphtheriae: The term "diphtheriae" originates from the Ancient Greek word "diphthera" meaning a "skin membrane" or "leather". It was chosen because this bacterium is known for causing a pseudomembrane or thick grayish layer on the affected tissues.
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