A 5-year-old unimmunised child presented with sore throat & swelling of neck. On examination of throat, the following was seen. What is the most probable causative organism?
High-Yield Explanation
A membrane is seen over the tonsil in this child with swelling of neck: suggestive of Diphtheria. Diphtheria typically follows an incubation period of 2-5 days. - Infection is slower in onset with less local discomfo often resembling a typical viral upper respiratory infection (URI) - Localized or coalescing pseudo membrane in diphtheria extends beyond the tonsils, on to the soft palate and is diy grey in colour. It is characterized by the formation of a dense, gray debris layer composed of a mixture of dead cells, fibrin, RBCs, WBCs, and organisms - It is adherent, and its removal leaves a bleeding surface. - Urine may show albumin. - Smear and culture of throat swab will reveal corynebacterium diphtheriae