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.