Diphtheria
Diphtheria is an infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Diphtheria causes a thick covering in the back of the throat. It can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, and even death. CDC recommends vaccines for infants, children, teens and adults to prevent diphtheria.
Causes and transmission, symptoms, complications, diagnosis and treatment, prevention, photos…
Information on diphtheria vaccines…
Clinical features, medical management, antibiotics, preventive measures…
Reference laboratory, resources for specimen collection, transport, and submission…
Diphtheria trends, case definitions, reporting…
Who can receive diphtheria antitoxin (DAT), requesting DAT, forms and worksheets…
Feature story, print materials related to diphtheria...
Publications on diphtheria and Corynebacterium diphtheriae…
Diphtheria can cause a thick gray covering to build up in the throat or nose that makes it hard to breathe and swallow.
- Diphtheria is an infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
- Diphtheria spreads (transmits) from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing.
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Vaccine Information Statements
View a one-page CDC vaccine information statement for each vaccine that protects against diphtheria (DTaP, Tdap, and Td) to learn who should get each and when. -
What Everyone Should Know about Diphtheria, Tetatus, and Whooping Cough Vaccination
This webpage offers comprehensive information about diphtheria vaccines and other educational tools. -
Information for Healthcare Professionals
As with all vaccines, there can be minor reactions after getting a diphtheria vaccine, including pain and redness at the injection site, headache, fatigue, or discomfort. -
Diphtheria Vaccine Recommendations
View recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Photos of the bacterium that causes diphtheria and images of people with the disease.