localized infection of mucous membranes or skin caused by toxigenic strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae; it is characterized by the presence of a pseudomembrane at the site of infection; diphtheria toxin, produced by C. diphtheriae, can cause myocarditis, polyneuritis, and other systemic toxic effects.
ICD-9-CM Volume 2 Index Entries That Refer To 032.9