Diphtheria: epidemiological update and review of prevention and control strategies

The importance of anti-diphtheria immunity in adults through periodic booster doses of vaccine is now increasing after last years diphtheria outbreaks in Newly Independent States (NIS) and Algeria and a few cases found in Europe and USA. Diphtheria cases notified in Italy between 1991-1994 have been reported. In 1995 WHO outlined the need to review vaccination schedules against diphtheria in all countries where gaps occur in the immunity of adults. The main sero-epidemiological studies performed in adults and vaccination schedules against diphtheria in some industrialized countries have been examined. Actual situation and control strategies adopted by WHO in the NIS and implications for other countries have been briefly presented. Finally, guidelines for management, investigation and control of diphtheria have been reported, including CDCs recommendations.