Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria, illustration 插畫檔

Corynebacterium diphtheriae, computer illustration. C. diphtheriae is a gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium that causes the disease diphtheria. Diphtheria is characterised by formation of fibrin-containing membranes on tonsils and the surface of the respiratory tract, which can lead to respiratory obstruction (difficulties in breathing). C. diphtheriae also produces a toxin which affects the heart, nervous system and kidneys.