A historical profile of diphtheria in Iran during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Diphtheria is a contagious and life-threatening disease historically regarded as a major cause of mortality, particularly in children. Over the past centuries, frequent diphtheria outbreaks have occurred. Herein, after a quick look at the history of diphtheria throughout the world, a historical account of this lethal disease in Iran during the 19th and 20th centuries is presented.