[Immunity against diphtheria and tetanus in the adult Polish population]

The aim of the study was to evaluate immunity against diphtheria and tetanus in healthy adult population in Poland. For determination of antitoxin IgG antibody, toxoid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Toxoid-ELISA) was used. Serum samples were obtained from different regions of Poland and titrated for diphtheria (n = 2442) and tetanus (n = 827) IgG antitoxin. For calibration of anti-toxins determination, the WHO standard of human diphtheria and tetanus antitoxin was used. About 32% (n = 787) of persons were non-protected against diphtheria (IgG-DTAb < 0.1 IU/ml) and 24% (n = 195) against tetanus (IgG-TTAb < 0.1 IU/ml). In 63% (n = 1528) individuals basic protection for diphtheria and 48% (n = 402) for tetanus (0.1-1.0 IU/ml IgG-DTAb and IgG-TTAb) were observed. Only 5% (n = 127) were fully protected for diphtheria and 28% (n = 230) for tetanus (IgG-DTAb and IgG-TTAb > 1.0 IU/ml). In adults between 30-64 years of age, not vaccinated at least during last 10 years, 43% of persons were non-protected. The study showed insufficient immunity against diphtheria in adults. We indicate booster immunisation for selected group of persons.