noun
- a serious bacterial infection that affects the throat and breathing passages, causing difficulty swallowing and breathing
Usage: medical
Examples
- The child was vaccinated against diphtheria as part of the routine immunization schedule.
- Diphtheria was once a leading cause of death among children before vaccines became available.
- The doctor suspected diphtheria when she saw the thick gray membrane in the patient’s throat.
- Public health campaigns helped eliminate diphtheria in most developed countries.
- The DPT vaccine protects against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus.
- Symptoms of diphtheria include fever, sore throat, and difficulty breathing.