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Summary
Diphtheria in Iran peaked in winter among youth, with most strains being the epidemic gravis type XIV. As immunization reduces incidence, future studies are vital to track the changing disease patterns.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Diphtheria epidemiology in Iran during 1969.
- Observed modified clinical cases due to antibiotic use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of diphtheria in Iran in 1969.
- To understand the prevalent strains and their phage types.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a study on diphtheria cases during the summer of 1969.
- Isolated and phage typed bacterial strains.
- Analyzed incidence patterns related to seasons and school terms.
Main Results:
- Diphtheria incidence peaked in winter, 3 months post-school term start, primarily affecting younger individuals.
- 89.7% of isolated strains were gravis, 1.3% intermedius, and 9% mitis.
- Gravis strains were predominantly phage type XIV, an established epidemic type.
Conclusions:
- The epidemiological pattern of diphtheria in Iran is expected to shift with ongoing mass immunization, mirroring changes seen in the UK and USA.
- Further research is recommended to monitor these evolving epidemiological patterns.