Proplyene Glycol is an additive that is present in many dog foods to help with moisture content. In dog food it is an acceptable ingredient that the FDA considers as generally safe. If propylene glycol was present in high levels in dog food it could be toxic, however. Propylene Glycol is used in food to accomplish several things: 1  To absorb extra water and help keep food moist.  As a solvent for colors and flavors in the food.
What is Diphtheria? Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This germ produces a toxin that can harm or destroy human body tissues and organs. One type of diphtheria affects the throat and sometimes the tonsils. Another type, more common in the tropics, causes ulcers on the skin. Diphtheria affects people of all ages, but most often it strikes unimmunized children.
Back to Top Causes. Diphtheria spreads through respiratory droplets (such as from a cough or sneeze) of an infected person or someone who carries the bacteria but has no symptoms. The bacteria most commonly infects your nose and throat. The throat infection causes a gray to black, tough, fiber-like covering, which can block your airways. In some cases, diphtheria infects your skin first and causes skin lesions. Once infected, the bacteria make dangerous substances called toxins. The toxins spread through your bloodstream to other organs, such as the heart and brain, and cause damage. Because of widespread immunization (vaccination) of children, diphtheria is now rare in many parts of the world.