Pattern and Trend of Morbidity in the Infectious Disease Ward of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital

Background: In spite of experiencing a large decline in the spread and burden of infectious diseases, the Global Burden of Disease Project suggests that about 30% of the disease burden in India is attributable to infections. The hospital data constitute a basic and primary source of information for continuous follow up of this changing pattern of morbidity and mortality. Aim: To identify the pattern and trend of different infectious diseases among admissions in the Infectious Disease ward of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of inpatient hospital database over 5 years period (January 2008 -December 2012) of Infectious Disease ward of North Bengal Medical College & Hospital. Results: Among 3277 admissions in the Infectious Disease ward during 2008-12, diarrhoeal diseases (84.3%) were most common. The highest mortality was recorded for rabies cases (83.9%), followed by tetanus (32.6%) and diphtheria (27.3%). The majority cases of diphtheria (78.9%) and measles (53.1%) belonged to below 9 years age. Except the year 2010, there was a gradual rise in admissions from 2008 to 2012. Conclusion: Review of hospital records provided information regarding the pattern of diseases but no definite trend among admissions in the infectious diseases ward.