Diphtheria
Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This germ produces a toxin that can harm or destroy human body tissues and organs. One type of diphtheria affects the throat and sometimes the tonsils. Another type, more common in the tropics, causes ulcers on the skin.
Diphtheria affects people of all ages, but most often it strikes unimmunized children. In temperate climates, diphtheria tends to occur during the colder months. In 2000, 30 000 cases and 3000 deaths of diphtheria were reported worldwide.
WHO position papers
- Diphtheria vaccines - in English and French (2006) [pdf 329kb)
- References [pdf 56kb]
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Full list of WHO position papers on vaccines
Click on language tabs at top right of page for translations
Related links
- More information on diphtheria
- The Immunological Basis for Immunization Series. Diphtheria (2009) [pdf 1.1Mb]
Last updated: 21 June 2011