Examining trends in epidemic typhus using historical texts.
Journal
Journal of vector borne diseases
ISSN: 0972-9062
Titre abrégé: J Vector Borne Dis
Pays: India
ID NLM: 101212761
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
15 Feb 2024
15 Feb 2024
Historique:
received:
19
12
2023
accepted:
05
02
2024
medline:
15
2
2024
pubmed:
15
2
2024
entrez:
15
2
2024
Statut:
aheadofprint
Résumé
Although associated with conflict, epidemic typhus was endemic across Europe into the modern period. The extent of the problem it caused is uncertain as record keeping for those socio-economic groups most affected was rare. Google's Ngram Viewer details the frequency of word usage in written language over time. The objective was to examine whether use of the word typhus reflected potential patterns in epidemic typhus. The frequency the word 'typhus' was used in British English was studied between 1800 and 2019 and trends examined. Clear differences in word usage were apparent; use increased throughout the 19th century corresponding to increasing industrialisation. Peaks coinciding with WW1 and WW2 were apparent. Strong correlations with the words 'conflict', 'warfare' and 'industry' were seen. Mean shifts corresponded to public health legislation in the UK and the introduction of antibiotics. The study illustrates how examination of word usage can illuminate aspects of disease occurrence where official data sources are lacking.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES
UNASSIGNED
Although associated with conflict, epidemic typhus was endemic across Europe into the modern period. The extent of the problem it caused is uncertain as record keeping for those socio-economic groups most affected was rare. Google's Ngram Viewer details the frequency of word usage in written language over time. The objective was to examine whether use of the word typhus reflected potential patterns in epidemic typhus.
METHODS
METHODS
The frequency the word 'typhus' was used in British English was studied between 1800 and 2019 and trends examined.
RESULTS
RESULTS
Clear differences in word usage were apparent; use increased throughout the 19th century corresponding to increasing industrialisation. Peaks coinciding with WW1 and WW2 were apparent. Strong correlations with the words 'conflict', 'warfare' and 'industry' were seen. Mean shifts corresponded to public health legislation in the UK and the introduction of antibiotics.
INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION
UNASSIGNED
The study illustrates how examination of word usage can illuminate aspects of disease occurrence where official data sources are lacking.
Identifiants
pubmed: 38357983
doi: 10.4103/JVBD.JVBD_201_23
pii: 01196045-990000000-00042
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Journal of Vector Borne Diseases.