Diphtheria

Image of a doctor examining the throat of a young child with a tongue depressor.
About
Learn about diphtheria: types, cause, risk factors, treatment, and prevention.
Learn More
Doctor examining adult male patient
Symptoms and Complications
Respiratory diphtheria causes more serious symptoms and disease than diphtheria skin infections.
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Vaccination
People of all ages should get vaccinated against diphtheria.

Healthcare providers

Child with cervical swelling, referred to as bull neck, which is a symptom of diphtheria.
Clinical Overview
Diphtheria is an acute disease that's rare in the United States.

Diagnosis and treatment

  • Clinical Features
    Respiratory and cutaneous diphtheria are the most common disease presentations.
  • Clinical Guidance
    Information on diagnosis, testing, treatment, and prevention of diphtheria.
  • Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT)
    CDC can distribute diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) to healthcare providers to treat diphtheria.

Public health professionals

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Surveillance and Trends
CDC tracks diphtheria cases nationally. Diphtheria is now an uncommon disease in the United States.
Corynebacterium diphtheriae on an Elek plate.
Lab Testing
CDC has the only U.S. laboratory that performs specialized testing to confirm diphtheria diagnoses.
Diphtheria bacteria growing on a Tinsdale plate.
Pertussis and Diphtheria Lab
CDC has a laboratory focused on innovative research related to pertussis and diphtheria.