This snapshot taken on 05/02/2008, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.
Please note that this website has a UK government access keys system.
Diphtheria is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacteria diphtheriae affecting the upper respiratory tract and occasionally the skin. It is characterised by an inflammatory exudate, which forms a greyish membrane in the respiratory tract. Virulent strains of C. diphtheriae produce a toxin, which can damage heart and nervous tissues. Spread is by droplet infections and through contact with articles soiled by infected persons. An effective vaccine against the disease was introduced in 1940.
Links to websites containing information on diphtheria.
Advises UK health ministers on communicable diseases that can be prevented by immunisation.
