Vaccines and Preventable Diseases:
Diphtheria Photos
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WARNING: Some of these photos might be unsuitable for children. Viewing discretion is advised.
Photos of the Disease
From the Public Health Image Library
Photo ID# 7323
This photomicrograph depicted a number of Gram-positive Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria, which had been stained using the methylene blue technique. The specimen was taken from a Pai’s slant culture.
Photo ID# 2179
McLeod's agar plate culture of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, gravis biotype.
Photo ID# 2125
A photomicrograph of Corynebacterium diphtheriae taken from an 18 hour culture, and using Albert's stain.
Photo ID# 824
This blood agar culture is growing colonies of Corynebacterium diphtheria var. belfanti bacteria.
Photo ID# 3157
This micrograph reveals an intranuclear inclusion body in a heart section from a patient with diphtheria-related myocarditis.
Images of People Affected by the Disease
A few sample photos from the Public Health Image Library
Photo ID# 5325
This child with diphtheria presented with a characteristic swollen neck, sometimes referred to as “bull neck”.
Photo ID# 1942
Diphtheria skin lesion on the neck.
Photo ID# 1941
A diphtheria skin lesion on the leg.
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Content last reviewed on May 20, 2011
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases