Corynebacterium diphtheriae

Category

Infectious Agents

Comments

Only 18 cases of diphtheria were reported in the USA between 1980 and 1994. Transmission occurs by contact with infected patients through respiratory droplets or skin lesions. Unimmunized children under the age of 15 are most susceptible. Outbreaks in recent years occurred in Ecuador and countries of the former Soviet Union.

Biomedical References

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Diphtheria