Weeks bacillus, also known as Corynebacterium diphtheriae, is a bacterium that causes the infectious disease diphtheria. It is named after its discoverer, Friedrich August Johannes Löffler, and his assistant, Wilhelm Heinrich Hermann Weeks. Weeks bacillus is a non-motile, gram-positive bacteria that is typically found in human respiratory tract secretions and skin lesions.
Diphtheria is an airborne infectious disease that primarily affects the throat and nose. It is characterized by the formation of a grayish layer, known as a pseudomembrane, on the lining of the respiratory passages. This pseudomembrane can obstruct breathing and lead to severe complications if left untreated.
Weeks bacillus enters the body through respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected individual. It produces a potent toxin known as diphtheria toxin, which is responsible for the characteristic symptoms of the disease. The toxin interferes with protein synthesis in the affected cells, leading to tissue damage and inflammation.
Diagnosis of diphtheria involves the detection of Weeks bacillus in samples taken from the throat, nose, or skin lesions. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics to clear the infection and antitoxin to neutralize the diphtheria toxin. Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing diphtheria, and immunization programs have significantly reduced the incidence of the disease in many parts of the world.
In conclusion, Weeks bacillus is a bacterium that causes the infectious disease diphtheria. It is characterized by the formation of a pseudomembrane in the respiratory passages and can be severe if left untreated. Proper diagnosis, treatment, and vaccination are crucial in combating this potentially life-threatening disease.
