General and Systemic Histopathology, C601&C602
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True, this condition is largely, but not
entirely, of historical value today. The fact that almost no child dies of
this disease today is a result of childhood immunizations. Diphtheria is the
"D" in DPTT. Even so, not every kid is immunized, even here in Camelot, so
sporadic cases are seen. See this slide with the virtual microscope. |
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You will see an inflammatory infiltrate in the interstitium as well as some myocardial cell necrosis. Recall that the bacteria is in the throat and upper airway and the toxin is actually part of a lysogenic phage. The tremendous degree of necrosis and copious exudate in the airways often leads to asphyxial death. The pain from the airway inflammation is said to be excruciating. |