General information, not a diagnosis Method and limitations

CompareUseful differences

Compare infectious diseases

The same route of exposure may involve very different agents. Compare the mechanisms and prevention, then consult the original records and sources.

Choose up to four diseases

Agents, Exposures and Prevention

Documentary comparison of 3 diseases; no estimate of individual risk
BenchmarkTuberculosisPertussis (whooping cough)Diphtheria
AgentMycobacterium tuberculosisBordetella pertussisCorynebacterium diphtheriae
FamilyBacteriaBacteriaBacteria
Paths and contextsRespiratory
Respiratory
Respiratory
Close contact
What distinguishes diseaseBacterial infection that most often affects the lungs and is transmitted to the air during close contact.Very contagious respiratory infection that can be particularly severe in infants.Transmissible bacterial infection that can reach the respiratory tract and produce a dangerous toxin.
PreventionEarly detection and treatment, ventilation and protective measures adapted to the context of care.Vaccination according to the national calendar and precautions around vulnerable people.Complete vaccination with reminders and rapid handling of cases and their contacts.
DeepeningForm →
WHO — reference
Form →
WHO — reference
Form →
WHO — reference
Diagnosis and monitoringInfection tests alone do not demonstrate an active disease. The assessment may involve clinical examination, imaging and microbiological research on suitable samples. The search for resistance helps to choose the treatment when the disease is confirmed.The history of contacts and adapted respiratory sampling help to diagnose. The duration of the cough influences the choice and interpretation of the exams.Confirmation must be arranged quickly. The treatment of suspicion should not be delayed pending the results; breathing difficulties are urgent.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
  • Cough duration and general development
  • Known contact with a case and previous reviews
  • Start and frequency of quintets
  • Contacts with infants
  • Vaccine diary and latest recalls
  • Beginning of throat or breathing disorders

What this table allows to understand

The selected records cover 1 agent family/families. They share the following routes or contexts in our catalogue: Respiratory. These associations describe the selected data; they do not measure contagiousness, severity or personal risk.

To review a comparison, choose one row and open the reference for each column. A preventive measure mentioned in one record and absent from another is not necessarily unnecessary in the second situation: the summaries and their scope may differ.

If symptoms occurThe table does not select any test or treatment. A fever after a stay in the malaria area should be reported promptly, even if prevention has been taken.
Understanding agent, vector and exposure →

Further reading

These publications help you verify the concepts discussed. Disease records and directory entries each identify their sources.

The content modification date does not mean that every source has undergone a new medical review. Verification method and scope.