[The clinico-epidemiological characteristics of diphtheria in adults]

Of 262 patients referred with suspicion of diphtheria the diagnosis was confirmed in 145 (55.3%). Clinico-epidemiological data indicate that the severity of diphtheria course, the tendency of increase of its incidence at the UkrSSR territory and in the USSR emphasize that early diagnosis and adequate treatment are of prime importance. To achieve this not only epidemiologists and infectionists but also cardiologists, otolaryngologists and general practitioners should actively participate in management of these patients. The authors pay special attention to carriers of pathogenic strains of diphtheria corynebacteria because their growth in these conditions may be a marker of epidemiological hazard.