eMedicine Specialties > Ophthalmology > Infectious Disease

Diphtheria: Differential Diagnoses & Workup

Author: Andrew A Dahl, MD, Director of Ophthalmology Teaching, Mid-Hudson Family Practice Institute, The Institute for Family Health; Assistant Professor of Surgery (Ophthalmology), New York College of Medicine
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Nov 17, 2008

Differential Diagnoses

Conjunctivitis, Viral

Workup

Laboratory Studies

  • Gram and Wright stains of the conjunctival secretions should be obtained.

More on Diphtheria

Overview: Diphtheria
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Diphtheria
Treatment & Medication: Diphtheria
Follow-up: Diphtheria
References

References

  1. Burkhard C, Choi M, Wilhelm H. [Optic neuritis as a complication in preventive tetanus-diphtheria-poliomyelitis vaccination: a case report]. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd. Jan 2001;218(1):51-4. [Medline].

  2. Chandler JW, Milam DF. Diphtheria corneal ulcers. Arch Ophthalmol. Jan 1978;96(1):53-6. [Medline].

  3. Coachman J. Diphtheric conjunctivitis. Mer J Ophth. 1951;34:1176.

  4. Dittmann S, Wharton M, Vitek C, et al. Successful control of epidemic diphtheria in the states of the Former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics: lessons learned. J Infect Dis. Feb 2000;181 Suppl 1:S10-22. [Medline].

  5. Fuchs E. Textbook of Ophthalmology. 1889.

  6. Hardy IR, Dittmann S, Sutter R. Current situation and control strategies for resurgence of diphtheria in Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union. Lancet. 10/1996;347:1739-1744.

  7. [Best Evidence] Pichichero ME, Rennels MB, Edwards KM, et al. Combined tetanus, diphtheria, and 5-component pertussis vaccine for use in adolescents and adults. JAMA. Jun 22 2005;293(24):3003-11. [Medline].

  8. Rolleston JD. Diphtheric paralysis. Arch Pediatr. 1913;30:335-45.

  9. Rolleston JD, Ronaldson GW. Acute Infectious Diseases. 1940.

  10. Tharmaphornpilas P, Yoocharoan P, Prempree P, et al. Diphtheria in Thailand in the 1990s. J Infect Dis. Oct 15 2001;184(8):1035-40. [Medline].

  11. Walshe FMR. On the pathogenesis of diphtheric paralysis. Q J Med. 1918-19;12:14-37.

Further Reading

Keywords

diphtheria, conjunctivitis diphtheritica, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, C diphtheriae, keratoconjunctivitis, motility disorders, conjunctival infection, viral conjunctivitis, membranous conjunctivitis, immunization

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Andrew A Dahl, MD, Director of Ophthalmology Teaching, Mid-Hudson Family Practice Institute, The Institute for Family Health; Assistant Professor of Surgery (Ophthalmology), New York College of Medicine
Andrew A Dahl, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and Wilderness Medical Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Richard W Allinson, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Texas A&M University Health Science Center; Senior Staff Ophthalmologist, Scott and White Clinic
Richard W Allinson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Managing Editor

Louis E Probst, MD, Medical Director of Refractive Surgery, Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, and Windsor Centers, TLC the Laser Eye Centers
Louis E Probst, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and International Society of Refractive Surgery
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

Lance L Brown, OD, MD, Ophthalmologist, Affiliated With Freeman Hospital and St John's Hospital, Regional Eye Center, Joplin, Missouri
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Hampton Roy Sr, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Hampton Roy Sr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

 
 
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