What is the Difference Between Diphtheria and Strep Throat?

Diphtheria and strep throat are both bacterial infections that affect the throat, but they have distinct differences:

1. Causative agents: Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, while strep throat is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus).
2. Symptoms: In its early stages, diphtheria can be mistaken for a bad sore throat, with a low-grade fever and swollen neck glands. Strep throat, on the other hand, is characterized by a sore throat, painful swallowing, and sometimes a red spots on the soft palate.
3. Thick coating: Diphtheria infections are unique as the toxin or poison caused by the bacteria can lead to a thick coating (or membrane) in the nose, throat, or airway. This makes a diphtheria infection different from other more common infections that cause sore throat, such as strep throat.
4. Contagiousness: Diphtheria is a highly contagious disease, with the Ro number being on average 7.4. Strep throat spreads through respiratory droplets created when talking, coughing, or sneezing.
5. Prevention: Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease, with the DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) vaccine being instrumental in controlling the disease. Strep throat, however, is caused by Streptococcus bacteria and is not preventable by vaccination.

In summary, diphtheria and strep throat are both bacterial infections affecting the throat, but they have different causative agents, symptoms, and methods of prevention.

Comparative Table: Diphtheria vs Strep Throat

Here is a table comparing the differences between diphtheria and strep throat:

Both diphtheria and strep throat are bacterial infections affecting the throat, but they are caused by different bacteria and present with different symptoms. Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae and primarily affects the throat and upper respiratory tract, while strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria (Streptococcus pyogenes) and primarily affects the throat and tonsils. Both infections are highly contagious and can be transmitted through respiratory droplets and direct contact.