Abstract

Background: Diphtheria is a nasopharyngeal and skin infection caused by the exotoxin of Corynebacterium diphtheriae which has shown resurgence in the past decade.

Aims and Objectives: 1. To determine various epidemiological factors related to Diphtheria. 2. To determine morbidity and mortality of admitted cases of Diphtheria over the past one year.

Methodology: A retrospective hospital record based study was carried out at our institute, involving all clinical cases of diphtheria. Duration of the Study was for a period of 3 months. A pretested structured questionnaire which included demographic characteristics like age, sex, seasonal variation, religion, morbidity and mortality was used. Statistical analysis was done by using Microsoft Excel 2007 and EPI INFO 3.5.3 version.

Results: Out of 1338 cases, most of the study subjects were females (63%), Muslims (60%) and those who belong to urban areas (83%). Most of the study subjects belong to age group more than 20 years (48%). Average duration of stay of the patients in the hospital was 3-7 days. A total of 24 deaths have occurred among 1338 cases, giving a case fatality rate of 1.8%.

Conclusion: There is a shift in age group affected, with 48% occurring in >20years age group indicating the need of boosters every 10 years.

Key words: Clinical Diphtheria, Retrospective, epidemiological factors