[Prevalence of anti-tetanus immunity in population groups from the Marche region]

We reported the results of a seroepidemiologic study to evaluate the extent of antitetanus protection in individuals (children, young people, adults, old people) living in two towns of Marche Region (Camerino and Osimo), the former being a prevalently agricultural area, and the latter a more industrialized and urbanized area. A high degree of protection was found in the lower age range, gradually decreasing to lower degrees of protection in the higher age range, in both zones, but more markedly in Camerino. Females were always found to have a lower degree of protection than males, except in the pediatric age. No significant difference was found between subjects living in rural or urban community. A high degree of protection was not found in any profession, also in those activities for which anti-tetanus vaccination is compulsory according to the law. The results of our study indicate that a more scrupulous enforcement of legislative measures concerning anti-tetanus vaccination is recommended.