is diphtheria caused by bacteria
Diphtheria is a serious disease caused by bacteria. The actual disease is caused when the bacteria release a toxin, or poison, into a person's body. â¢. Diphtheria bacteria live in the mouth, throat, and nose of an infected person and can be passed to others by coughing or sneezing. Occasionally, transmission occurs from skin sores or through articles soiled with oozing from sores of infected people.