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Diphtheria toxoid vaccine effectiveness: A case-control study in Russia
K M Bisgard1, P Rhodes, I R Hardy
1Epidemiology and Surveillance Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30083, USA. kmb6@cdc.gov
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|February 5, 2000
Summary
Diphtheria toxoid vaccine effectiveness was high (97%) in a Moscow study, refuting claims of low vaccine efficacy during the 1990s epidemic. Maintaining high vaccination coverage is crucial for preventing future diphtheria outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- A diphtheria epidemic began in the Russian Federation in 1990.
- Low diphtheria toxoid vaccine effectiveness was suspected as a contributing factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine during the 1990s epidemic in Moscow.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted in Moscow.
- Physician-diagnosed diphtheria cases were enrolled with 10 matched controls per case.
- Vaccination history was compared between cases and controls.
Main Results:
- 217 cases and 2169 controls were included.
- 92% of controls received 3+ vaccine doses versus 72% of cases.
- Vaccine effectiveness for 3+ doses was 97% (95% CI: 94.3-98.4).
Conclusions:
- Low vaccine effectiveness was not a cause of the diphtheria epidemic.
- High vaccination coverage with 3+ diphtheria toxoid doses is essential for prevention in all age groups.
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