Title: Diphtheria: A largely forgotten disease because of a vaccine

Reference: Cody Meissner, H.(2018).Diphtheria: A largely forgotten disease

because of a vaccine Retrieved on September 21, 2020 from
https://www.aappublications.org/

Summary:
A toxoid is typically a bacterial exotoxin whose toxicity has been inactivated
either by chemical or heat treatment, while immunogenicity of the toxin is
retained. A vaccine toxoid cannot cause the disease it prevents, as there is no
possibility of reversion to poison. Toxin production is a consequence of
bacteriophage infection of Corneybacterium diphtheriae resulting in the
integration of a specific genetic sequence encoding the toxin. It is theorized that
the presence of the phage confers a survival advantage to the bacterium. The
ability of Corneybacterium diphtheriae to cause diphtheria is determined by
bacterial toxin production and the host's immunity to the toxin. Within two or
three additional days, a tonsillar exudate becomes confluent and spreads to
cover much of the pharynx. A small amount of diphtheria toxin is injected
intradermally and in immune persons, circulating antibody neutralizes the toxin
and no local lesion is observed. Although a two-week course of penicillin or
erythromycin has little effect on clinical disease, treatment hastens elimination of
the organism and reduces transmission to susceptible contacts. The therapeutic
efficacy of hyperimmune equine diphtheria antitoxin in reducing mortality is well-
established, although active immunization with diphtheria vaccine is far
preferable for disease prevention. Failure to maintain high rates of immunization
will increase the risk of re-emergent disease and diphtheria outbreaks.
Reflection:
Undoubtedly, I agree with the article for it is packed with facts from a reliable
source. I can still remember when I was in my first year college, different
bacteria’s were discussed to us in my subject microbiology and parasitology.
Thus I found no difficulty in understanding the scientific words about the bacteria
related to Diphtheria. I was just surprised that Diphtheria is contagious and can
be transmitted through direct physical contact from infected people’s coughing,
sneezing, and close personal contact. This can also spread through contact with
contaminated personal items or household items of the infected people. But in
some cases, diphtheria can only cause mild illness or no obvious signs and
symptoms. Infected people who are unaware of their condition are called carriers
of diphtheria since they can transmit the infection without being ill themselves. In
the past and before antibiotics were made available, diphtheria was a common
disease in young children. Today, antibiotics, for diphtheria, such as penicillin,
erythromycin, clarithromycin, and azithromycin, are locally and commercially
available. The article is a big help for me because it helps me understand the
importance of a complete active immunization through vaccination with
diphtheria toxoid of all infants as early in life as possible with subsequent booster
dose every 10 years thereafter. Now, the bacterial infection is not only treatable
but highly preventable with immunization. As a student and a future nurse, here
are some nursing interventions I can provide If I may encounter a patient with
diphtheria in the future. Improve thermoregulation. Maintain room temperature;
advise the client to wear thin clothes that absorb sweats easily; encourage to
increase fluid intake and administer antipyretics as ordered. Improve airway
clearance. Auscultate breath sounds, note the presence of an additional breath
sounds; place the client in a comfortable position that can aid maximum lung
expansion. It is just fair to say that the article just like this really have a direct
impact on nursing care.
 Reference:

Cody Meissner, H.(2018). Diphtheria: A largely forgotten disease because of a

vaccine Retrieved on September 21, 2020 from
https://www.aappublications.org/news/2018/03/01/idsnapshot030118?
fbclid=IwAR2y-Usyl1DVUpPzS4CeZvOR-ZXX1k-
wJBusnu6AndoAirr5XoF0jLmbxyU