Diphtheria Toxin

Strains of Corynebacterium diphtheria that have been lysogenized by bacteriaphage β

Solid lyophilized toxin

DT is an exotoxin that inhibits eukaryotic protein synthesis by ADP-ribosylating an enlongation factor needed to translocate the ribosome along mRNA

Nasopharyngeal and cutaneous

DT can cause cranial, motor and sensory nerve palsies, myocarditis, and endocarditis.

Clinical symptoms of toxin mediated disease

Booster dose of diphtheria toxoid

Immunization with diphtheria toxoid is typically combined with tetanus toxoid and the pertussis vaccine as DTP and administered to young children.

Administer antitoxin.

DT immunization and booster every 10 years

Conduct all work with DT inside a biological safety cabinet.

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories

Diphtheria Information

Johnson B, Mastnjak R, Resnick IG. 2001. Safety and Health Considerations for Working with Biological Toxins. Applied Biosafety. 6 (3): 117-135

Madigan MT, Martinko JM. 2006. Brock Biology of Microorganisms. 11th edition. Upper Saddle River (NJ): Prentice Hall.

Notify others working in the lab. Rinse gloves with decontamination solution and don new gloves. Cover area of the spill with paper towels and apply decontamination solution, working from the perimeter towards the center. Exit and keep others from entering the laboratory. Allow 1 hour of contact time before entering the laboratory without respiratory protection. Cleanup and dispose of spill materials.

Contact Emory's Biosafety Officer (404-727-8863),
the EHSO Office (404-727-5922), or
The Spill Response Team (404-727-2888).

Flush eyes, mouth or nose for 15 minutes at eyewash station.

Wash area with soap and water for 15 minutes.

Immediately report incident to supervisor, complete an employee incident report in PeopleSoft.

7am-4pm (OIM): EUH (404-686-7941) EUHM (404-686-7106) WW (404-728-6431)

After Hours: OIM NP On Call 404-686-5500 PIC# 50464

Needle Stick (OIM): EUH (404-686-8587) EUHM (404-686-2352)

Yerkes: Maureen Thompson Office (404-727-8012) Cell (404-275-0963)

Decontaminate surfaces with solutions of 1% sodium hypochlorite

Autoclave at 121°C for 1 hour on liquid cycle with lid of primary container loosened

At minimum, personnel are required to don gloves, closed toed shoes, lab coat, and appropriate face and eye protection prior to working with DT. Additional PPE may be required depending on lab specific SOPs.

Depending on the risk assessment, respirators may be required when working with conotoxins. Fit testing and training is required annually per Emory's Respiratory Program (PDF).