Diagnosis Protocol

Pseudomembranous tonsillitis (grey, tough, sticky membranes) with dysphagia and cervical adenitis. May progress to massive neck swelling ("bull neck"). Airway obstruction when infection extends to nasal passages, larynx, trachea, bronchi. Low-grade fever. Toxin effects: cardiac dysfunction (myocarditis, heart failure), neuropathies (swallowing, vision, breathing, ambulation) 1–3 months after onset. Renal failure.

Culture of throat/nasopharyngeal swab for Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Toxin detection.