Diphtheria is an acute disease caused by toxin-producing strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae (in some cases also by Corynebacterium ulcerans ) bacteria, that is known to colonise mucous membranes.
Difteeria on äge nakkushaigus, mida põhjustavad limaskestadel kasvava bakteri Corynebacterium diphtheriae (mõnikord ka Corynebacterium ulcerans ) toksiine tekitavad tüved.