Diphtheria In Australia

Research and studies indicate the disease diphtheria has been one of the most astounding diseases that made its way around the world. Kenneth Todar, a microbiology professor since 1972, writes that the first documented descriptive case of diphtheria was produced around the fourth century B.C. by Hippocrates, the father of medicine (Todar, 1 Diphtheria). Documentation about diphtheria dates as far back as ancient Syria and Egypt. Before diphtheria was known by its modern name today, it was listed among all respiratory disorders, which caused death among children. The “croup” was a general term given to various respiratory obstructions (Burnet, 281). Of known respiratory infections today, i.e: streptococcal and scarlet fever infections,

In Spain the disease became known as "El garatillo" (the strangler) (Todar, 1 Diphtheria). By the 18th century, the disease penetrated the American colonies in epidemic magnitudes, sometimes laying total families to rest (Todar, 1 Diphtheria). By the 1800s definitive epidemics recognized as diphtheria had spread throughout the globe. Australia was actually presumed to be diphtheria free until numerous cases were noted in 1864. Researching the epidemic, which spread through Australia, gave physicians indications that this respiratory infection was somewhat outside of their previous familiarities. Their research also aided them in knowing that young children were more susceptible to the disease and to conclude that the descriptive grey to white covering which forms over the larynx area obstructs the flow of air. The disease was given the name by which we know it today in 1826 by a French physician named Pierre-Fidèle

Because humans are the predominant reservoir, anywhere that man is crowed together, if there is a carrier or a symptomatic person there is an opportunity for the disease to be spread. Today a series of immunizations are given to combat the diphtheria. Those who have not been immunized or who have not completed the series are also candidates for contracting diphtheria. Diphtheria is transmitted by two modes. The contagious disease is transmitted through physical contact of purulent ulcers or inhalation of aerosolized exudations of infected individuals. Non-toxin-producing strains of Corynobacteria such as C. ulcerans can cause infection (MedicineNet, 2014 Dec). The infection is usually less severe and may only affect the skin. Diphtheria mainly infects young children and older people, the disease does not appear to be race or gender specific. This is either due to the immune system that is not yet stimulated in the young or the decreased immune system of the