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WHAT IS IT?
Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a gram positive pleomorphic bacteria (rod shaped/club shaped).
CULTURE CHARACTERISTICS
Media used for isolation: Tellurite agar, Löffer medium
- Black colones present on cystine-tellurite agar.
Metachromatic (blue and red) granules present
Elek test positive for their toxin (helps make the diangosis)
MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS
Diphtheria toxin: inactivates elongation factor EF-2 via DP ribosylation
TRANSMISSION
CONDITIONS CAUSED
Pharyngitis: classically present with pseudomembranes in the throat, and severe lymphadenopathy (bull neck)
Necrosis in the pharynx, cardiac and CNS tissues.
TREATMENT
OTHER HY FACTS
Page Updated: 04.17.2017