Diphtheria

Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The bacterium usually multiplies on or near the surface of the throat.  Diphtheria spreads from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing. A person also can get diphtheria by coming in contact with an object, like a toy, that has the bacteria that cause diphtheria on it.