incubation period of corynebacterium diphtheriae
Due to vaccination programs in the United States, diphtheria is now a rarely reported disease. Corynebacterium diphtheriae is primarily spread by droplets from coughing or sneezing. The incubation period averages 2 to 5 days.The illness is characterized by fever, malaise, and sore throat with a distinguishing thick pseudomembrane present over the involved mucosa. A swab from beneath the pseudomembrane is the preferred specimen for culture.he incubation period averages 2 to 5 days. The illness is characterized by fever, malaise, and sore throat with a distinguishing thick pseudomembrane present over the involved mucosa. A swab from beneath the pseudomembrane is the preferred specimen for culture.