Which statement about Diphtheria is true?

• A. It is caused by Corynebacterium and forms a false membrane in the throat that interferes with breathing.
• B. It is a viral infection that causes a rash and joint pain.
• C. It affects only the skin and never the throat.
• D. It spreads only through contaminated water.

Answer: (D)

Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. A hallmark is the development of a thick pseudomembrane in the throat that can obstruct the airway, making breathing difficult. This disease spreads mainly through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected secretions, not through contaminated water. It is preventable by vaccination (DTaP/Tdap) and treated with antitoxin and antibiotics to remove the bacteria and stop toxin production.