Diphtheria Outbreak among Persons Experiencing Homelessness, 2023, Linked to 2022 Diphtheria Outbreak, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

• DOI: 10.3201/eid3103.241217
• Publication Date: 2025-02-21T22:54:56Z
• Authors: Jonas Haller; Anja Berger; Alexandra Dangel; Katja Bengs; Imke Friedrichs; Christian Kleine; Dorothee Schmidt; Maria Goetzens; Udo Goetsch; Michael Hogardt; Andreas Sing
• Keywords: Diphtheria Toxin

After 3 cases of Corynebacterium diphtheriae infection associated with intravenous drug use among persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) were reported to the Health Protection Authority in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, 2023, we examined pathogen spread PEH. Furthermore, investigated a possible link 2022 outbreak diphtheria Europe. From swab samples collected during August-November 2023 from 36 PEH and cutaneous lesions, detected additional toxigenic C. diphtheriae. Sequence type 574 was identified 5 case-isolates is genetically 1 predominant clusters outbreak. Our findings demonstrate need for increased detection monitoring boosting immunity against groups risk infection. Genomic analyses are valuable identifying genetic relationships between outbreaks, even when epidemiologic data scarce.