Diphtheria in Glasgow 1934–42

Abstract

1. A general survey of diphtheria in Glasgow during 1934–42 has been made. Over 11,000 strains ofC. diphtheriaehave been typed and the incidence of the types is recorded.2. The period has been marked by a change in the predominant type of organism fromintermediustogravis, andgravisinfections are now responsible for most of the mortality, though the average case fatality rate due to them is not high.3. Diphtheria on the whole has been mild and complications relatively few, but some shift in the death-rate incidence to the higher age periods with increase in the corresponding case fatality rate has taken place. A small shift in the age incidence of diphtheria is noted.4. Some account of the effect of immunization is given.5. Comment is made upon colony variation among the types ofC. diphtheriae.