Klebs-Loeffler bacillus

Klebs-Loeffler bacillus is the historical name for the bacterium now known as Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacterium is the causative agent of diphtheria, a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the throat and airways, but can also cause skin lesions. The renaming of the bacterium reflects the contributions of two scientists, Edwin Klebs and Friedrich Loeffler, to its discovery and understanding.

Discovery

The Klebs-Loeffler bacillus was first identified by Edwin Klebs in 1883, who observed the bacterium in the tissues of individuals who had died from diphtheria. However, it was Friedrich Loeffler who, in 1884, successfully cultured the bacterium on solid media, definitively proving its role in causing the disease. This discovery was pivotal in the field of bacteriology and infectious diseases, highlighting the importance of bacteria as agents of disease.

Characteristics

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a Gram-positive, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium. It is characterized by its ability to produce a potent toxin when infected by a specific bacteriophage that carries the toxin gene. This diphtheria toxin is responsible for the severe symptoms associated with the disease, including the formation of a pseudomembrane in the throat that can lead to breathing difficulties and suffocation.

Transmission and Disease

Diphtheria is transmitted between humans through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated objects. Before the development of vaccines, it was a major cause of illness and death in children. The disease can manifest in two forms: respiratory diphtheria and cutaneous diphtheria. Respiratory diphtheria is the more severe form, characterized by sore throat, fever, and the aforementioned pseudomembrane. Cutaneous diphtheria affects the skin and is less severe.

Prevention and Treatment

The introduction of the diphtheria vaccine has dramatically reduced the incidence of the disease in many parts of the world. Treatment for diphtheria includes the administration of diphtheria antitoxin to neutralize the toxin, as well as antibiotics to clear the bacterial infection.

Legacy

The study of the Klebs-Loeffler bacillus has had a significant impact on medical science, leading to a better understanding of bacterial diseases and the development of vaccines. It also exemplifies the importance of microbiology in identifying the causes of infectious diseases and finding ways to control them.