Trends in the epidemiology of erysipelas in Slovenia

Abstract

Introduction: Erysipelas is a common infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Despite the relative frequency of erysipelas, data on its basic epidemiological characteristics are scant. This study describes the trends in erysipelas epidemiology in Slovenia.

Methods: Data on notified erysipelas cases from 2000 to 2016 were extracted from the electronic database of reportable communicable diseases and analyzed.

Results: There were 36,254 notified cases during the observed time period of 17 years. The yearly age-standardized incidence rate of erysipelas increased from 71.5 per 100,000 in 2000 to 111.3 per 100,000 in 2016, with the main rise in the ≥ 75 age group. Erysipelas was more common in women, but the sex-related difference lessened in the period observed. The hospitalization rate declined. Erysipelas was significantly more frequent in the warmer period of the year. The correlation between erysipelas incidence and average monthly temperature was stronger in the ≤ 64 age group than in the ≥ 65 age group.

Conclusions: Retrospective observational data confirmed a rising trend in erysipelas cases, especially among the elderly. Aging of the population will continue to increase the burden of the disease, unless health promotion and prevention lowers the prevalence of the risk factors.