diphtheria is caused by
Diphtheria (from Greek: Î´Î¹ÏÎ¸Î­ÏÎ± diphthera, meaning leather) is an infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.Signs and symptoms may vary from mild to severe. They usually start two to five days after exposure.Symptoms often come on fairly gradually beginning with a sore throat and fever.iphtheria (from Greek: Î´Î¹ÏÎ¸Î­ÏÎ± diphthera, meaning leather) is an infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Signs and symptoms may vary from mild to severe.