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Abstract
The frequency and distribution of diphtheria carriers among schoolchildren in Athens was investigated between October 19, 1970 and April 26, 1971. The sample covered 818 schoolchildren (6–13 years old) in 4 primary schools of different socio-economic level and state of herd immunity. Nose and throat cultures revealed 28 symptomless carriers of avirulent Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a carrier rate of 3.4%. Toxigenic strains were not found. The carrier rate was comparatively low during the first 3 years of school life (1.7%), it showed a rather clear seasonal pattern, and was frequently related to a recent history of sore throat. The prevalence of carriers was 2.88 times higher among schoolchildren incompletely or never immunized than among those fully immunized and living under similar conditions of environment and herd immunity.