Molecular epidemiology of C. diphtheriae strains during different phases of the diphtheria epidemic in Belarus.

Background: The reemergence of epidemic diphtheria in Belarus in 1990s has provided us with important information on the biology of the disease and the diversity of the causative agent Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Molecular investigations were conducted with the aim to analyze the genetic variability of C diphtheriae during the post-epidemic period.

Methods: The biotype and toxigenicity status of 3513 C.