The Struggle Against Acute Enteric Infections Among Children in Soviet Russia (1930-1940)

Abstract

The results of a historical and medical study reflecting the issues of combating dysentery and other acute enteric infections among the children in Soviet Russia during the 1930-1940 period are presented in this article. Analysis of medical reports, orders, circular letters of the People’s Commissariat of Health Сare of the USSR and other documents from published and unpublished archival materials, and scientific publications of Soviet scientists indicate that the situation with dysentery and other acute intestinal infections among children (especially of early age) was complicated and characterized by significant prevalence of this pathology in the 1930s. This study has shown that it was possible to reduce children morbidity and mortality due to the implementation of extensive sanitary, hygienic and anti-epidemic measures on the government level, the implementation of specialized dietary products for kids and new methods of therapy (sulfanilamides, dysenteric bacteriophage, antidisenteric serum) in Moscow and other regions (for example in Gorky and Kirov regions). The experience of organizing the pediatricians, epidemiologists, health care organizers work against acute enteric infections among children in Soviet Russia in the 1930s can currently be used in various countries and regions where acute diarrheal diseases are significant cause of children mortality.