The pathogenic factor of Corynebacterium diphtheriae is diphtheria exotoxin. The toxin often violates the cardiomyocytes and peripheral nerves, therefore, clinical symptoms such as myocarditis and soft palate paralysis and hoarseness can be seen.

Principles of prevention and treatment of diphtheria:

(1) Artificial automatic immunization: usual inoculation of susceptible people with diphtheria toxoid is the main measure to prevent diphtheria.

(2) Artificial passive immunization: for susceptible children who are in close contact with diphtheria patients, intramuscular injection of 1000~3000U of diphtheria antitoxin can be used for prevention. For patients with diphtheria, while using antibiotics, diphtheria antitoxin should be used early and in sufficient quantity. Positive skin test for antitoxin should be injected with desensitization therapy (small amount of multiple times).