454 DIPHTHERIA, SCARLET FEVER, AND TETANUS 



Diphtheria is caused by the growth of the diphtheria bacillus, 

 usually in the throat, nose, or larynx. This germ is a slender, 

 slightly curved, club-shaped rod, which does not form spores, 

 and which, when stained, shows characteristic staining particles. 

 These particles make the stained organism easily recognized. 



Effect on the body. The diphtheria bacilli grow in the affected 

 part (throat or trachea usually) and first cause inflammation and 

 swelling, and later form a grayish membrane. The bacilli multiply 

 in the membrane and at the same time throw off virulent toxins 

 which will cause death when absorbed by the body in sufficient 

 quantities. If the membrane grows down sufficiently into the 

 trachea, death may occur from suffocation. The action of the 

 toxin on the heart is particularly severe and sometimes brings about 

 heart defects, even after the patient has become convalescent. 



How diphtheria is 

 carried Each new 

 case of diphtheria is 

 derived from a previ- 

 ous case of diphtheria 

 or from a diphtheria 

 carrier. The disease 

 may be spread from 

 infected to well per- 

 sons by direct contact, 

 as by kissing or by 

 mouth spray given off 

 in sneezing or cough- 

 ing. The germ-laden 

 droplets of such mouth 

 sprays may enter the 

 mouths of others or 



be breathed in with the air, or they may be carried to the mouth 

 from the hands in eating. Indirectly, the bacilli may be trans- 



97 1900 '04'06'Qg '2-|Vl6-i8 '22 '2* '26 ' ' 



Diphtheria is a disease that can be completely controlled 

 through scientific measures. It has been estimated that 

 the cost of treating one case of diphtheria will protect two 

 hundred children from the disease. Note the effect of anti- 

 toxin and toxin-antitoxin on the death rate in New York 

 State. 



