Which organism is associated with diphtheria?

The organism specifically associated with diphtheria is Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacterium is a Gram-positive rod that causes the disease by producing a potent exotoxin that leads to severe throat inflammation and the formation of a pseudomembrane, which can obstruct breathing. The classification of diphtheria as an infectious disease is directly tied to the pathogenic characteristics of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, making it the definitive causative agent. Understanding the role of this microorganism is crucial in diagnosing and treating diphtheria effectively, as well as in the context of immunization strategies that aim to prevent this potentially serious infection.