DIPHTHERIA INCIDENCE IN ANBAR GOVERNORATE, WEST OF IRAQ DURING THE PERIOD 2009-2019

Abstract

Diphtheria is an infectious illness that occur due to Corynebacterium diphtheriae, characterized by the appearance of gray to white patch in the throat with the appearance of a barking cough like in croup as a result of obstruction of the airway with partial swelling of the neck as a result of enlarged lymph nodes and complications may include myocarditis, nerve inflammation and kidneys problems with bleeding due to low blood platelets. There is no current research study on the prevalence of diphtheria infection in recent years in Anbar Governorate, although many cases have been recorded, despite following a regular program of vaccination against diphtheria. A descriptive research aimed to find out the annual diphtheria incidence according to person, years and place in Anbar governorate, West of Iraq. A descriptive cross-sectional research using Diphtheria patients’ electronic archives that registered immediately in Anbar Governorate hospitals and Anbar Health Office in a period from 2009-2019. Numerous data had been collected as diphtheria cases by age, Years of incidence & gender. Diphtheria incidence was calculated by dividing the number of annual Diphtheria cases by population size multiplied by 100,000 of population. SPSS software version 24 was used for data analysis. The data had been explored through using descriptive investigation and displayed in charts & tables. Forty two diphtheria cases were recorded in Anbar governorate during the period from 2009-2019, 24 (57.1%) and 18 (42.9%) of females and males respectively, with mean age 13.4 ± 4 years, as the incidence rate during the years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 was (0.14, 0.18, 0.32, 0.44, 0.55, 0.00, 0.00, 0.23, 0.36, 0.28 and 0.05) / 100,000 of population respectively with a low annual incidence ratio 0.23/ 100,000. No statistical difference between males & females (p value = 0.943). Annual incidence of Diphtheria during a period from 2009-2019 confirmed 1 peak in 2013 & no Diphtheria cases was recorded during a period 2014-2015, Majority of them had been in 5 -14 years old age group. Diphtheria incidence had been decreased during the last three years mainly in all age groups in the Anbar governorate during last year’s due to using DTP) vaccine.