Research Highlight: Largest Diphtheria Outbreak in Western Europe in 70 Years 05 June 2025
A recent study published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), involving our group, has analyzed the largest diphtheria outbreak in Western Europe since the 1950s. The study revealed that the rise in infections observed among migrants across Europe in 2022 was linked to multiple genetically distinct strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, suggesting repeated introductions along common migration routes.
The collaborative work, involving 10 European countries, highlights the importance of rapid international coordination and genomic surveillance. The researchers identified antibiotic-resistant strains, underscoring the need for vigilant public health measures and updated vaccination efforts.
For further reading, visit the full article at NEJM, and additionally, in the University of Zurich news.
