What is C. diphtheriae?
C. diphtheriae is a toxin-producing bacterium causes the disease Diphtheria. It can get into and attach to the lining of the respiratory system. When that happens, it may cause weakness, sore throat, fever, or swollen glands in the neck. Within two to three days, it can produce a thick, gray coating that inhibits breathing or swallowing. On limbs, these bacteria can produce lesions covered by a gray-brown membrane. The poison can also cause paralysis and congestive heart failure if distributed through the bloodstream.
Where is it Found?
What Does it Infect?
How Does it Spread?
Prevent the Spread of C. diphtheriae
In many countries, Diphtheria infection is non-existent due to childhood vaccination. In Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Asia, the South Pacific, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, the disease still exists.
For Individuals
For residents of these areas, regular preventative measures can reduce the possibility of infection from C. diphtheriae:
- Since Diphtheria spreads from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, keep distance from those who are sick or showing signs of infection (sore throat, swollen neck, and fever).
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth and wash hands before eating. Coming in contact with an object or surface that has C. diphtheriae on it and then touching orifices can transmit the bacteria.
- Do not touch the sores or clothes of someone with Diphtheria or its symptoms. Rarely, the disease can spread by these means.
- Travelers to the areas mentioned above should also make sure they are vaccinated.
For Public Places
Facilities where large numbers of people visit or stay should take part in these preventative actions:
- Regularly disinfect high-contact surfaces.
- Install mechanical ventilation, room air cleaners, or some device that introduces room air changes. Our Benefits of UV-C blog post compares the cost and efficiency of different models.
Get More Protection with UV Disinfection
In addition to typical preventative measures, Germicidal Ultraviolet (UV-C) air and surface disinfection can inactivate C. diphtheriae in crowded locations where the risk of cross-infection is high, like hospitals, healthcare facilities, schools, and prisions. Shop our products at AtlanticUltraviolet.comopen_in_new.
Learn about these applications:
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Our germicidal lamps produce ultraviolet wavelengths at 254 nanometers, the region of maximum germicidal effectiveness. Read our FAQ blog post to learn more. See dosage data below.
C. diphtheriae Classification & UV Dose for Inactivation
| Organism: | Alternate Name: | Type: | Disease: | UV Dose*: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corynebacterium diphtheriae | C. diphtheriae | Bacteria | Diphtheria | 6.50 mJ/cm2 |
* Nominal Ultraviolet dosage necessary to inactivate better than 99% of microorganisms. See sources below.
Sources on C. diphtheriae
The above information can be found on the following pages.
Dosage Source
Sensitivity of Bacteria, Protozoa, Viruses, and Other Microorganisms to Ultraviolet Radiation. Journal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Volume 126, Article No. 126021. August 20, 2021.
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