Molecular Epidemiology of Diphtheria in Belarus
Author Information
Author(s): Kolodkina Valentina, Titov Leonid, Sharapa Tatyana, Grimont Francine, Grimont Patrick, Efstratiou Androulla
Primary Institution: Belarusian Research Institute for Epidemiology and Microbiology
Hypothesis
The study aims to analyze the genetic variability of C. diphtheriae during the post-epidemic period in Belarus.
Conclusion
The decrease in diphtheria morbidity in Belarus correlated with significant changes in the genetic structure of C. diphtheriae.
Supporting Evidence
- The gravis biotype was prevalent during 1996-2000 but was replaced by the mitis biotype from 2001-2005.
- Toxigenic strains decreased from 47.1% in 1996 to 6.8% in 2005.
- The Sankt-Peterburg ribotype decreased from 24.3% to 2.3%, while the Rossija ribotype increased from 25.1% to 49.1%.
- Non-toxigenic strains with Cluj and Rossija ribotypes increased significantly.
Takeaway
The study looked at how the germs that cause diphtheria changed over time in Belarus, especially after many people got vaccinated.
Methodology
The study analyzed 3513 C. diphtheriae strains using biotyping, toxigenicity testing, and ribotyping.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in strain selection and isolation methods.
Limitations
The study may not account for all genetic variations of C. diphtheriae strains outside Belarus.
Participant Demographics
Strains were isolated from diphtheria cases, tonsillitis patients, contacts, and healthy carriers across Belarus.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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