Which of the Following Statements is TRUE Concerning Diphtheria

Question

Which of the following statements is TRUE concerning diphtheria?
A) No effective vaccine is available to prevent infection.
B) A diffuse rash is the major sign of diphtheria.
C) The signs and symptoms of the disease are directly caused by a bacterial toxin.
D) The pseudomembrane is easily removed by surgery.
E) A microscopic exam of bacterial samples is sufficient for conclusive diagnosis.

Accepted Answer

The signs and symptoms of diphtheria are directly caused by a bacterial toxin produced by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the bacteria that causes diphtheria. There is an effective vaccine available to prevent infection, indicating that option A is false. A diffuse rash is not a major sign of diphtheria, eliminating option B. The pseudomembrane that forms in the throat is not easily removed by surgery, making option D false. A microscopic exam of bacterial samples is not sufficient for conclusive diagnosis, as further testing is required to confirm the presence of the diphtheria toxin, ruling out option E.