Related Experiment Videos
Shigellosis in Israel--update 1995
Public Health Reviews
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Shigellosis incidence in Israel decreased significantly from 1986-1991, then rebounded. The age distribution of shigellosis cases shifted, mirroring patterns in developed countries.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Shigellosis incidence in Israel increased until 1985, with a peak shift in the Jewish population to older age groups.
- Understanding shigellosis epidemiology is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update the epidemiology of shigellosis in Israel from 1986 to 1995.
- Analyze trends in incidence, age distribution, and antibiotic sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of laboratory-confirmed shigellosis cases in the civilian population.
- Data collected from weekly subdistrict reports and hospital/laboratory antibiotic sensitivity testing.
Main Results:
- Shigellosis incidence decreased by 50% from 1986-1991, mainly in the Jewish population, but outbreaks in 1992 led to a resurgence.
- By 1995, incidence returned to pre-1974 levels; peak incidence shifted to 1-4 year-olds in the non-Jewish population.
- Decreased antibiotic sensitivity was noted, with increased tetracycline sensitivity observed since 1991. Case fatality rates remained low.
Conclusions:
- Shigellosis remains endemic in Israel, with evolving epidemiological patterns.
- The changing age-related peak incidence suggests a convergence with patterns observed in other developed nations.