Eighth International Meeting of the European Laboratory Working Group on Diphtheria and the Diphtheria Surveillance Network - June 2004: Progress is needed to sustain control of diphtheria in European Region

The Eighth International Meeting of the European Laboratory Working Group on Diphtheria (ELWGD) and the Diphtheria Surveillance Network (DIPNET) was held and co-organised with the WHO Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark, in June 2004. This article provides an international updated review of progress in clinical, epidemiological and microbiological aspects of diphtheria in the European region as presented at the meeting. It highlights the need for improved immunisation coverage, surveillance and epidemiological studies to sustain control of diphtheria in European Region.