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Diphtheria antitoxin titres six years after basic immunization of adults
B Björkholm1, M Granström, L Hagberg
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Ostra University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Vaccine
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Six years after diphtheria toxoid vaccination, antibody levels significantly decreased, with many adults lacking protective diphtheria antitoxin titres. Booster injections are recommended 5-10 years post-vaccination for sustained immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Basic vaccination with diphtheria toxoid (D) involves multiple doses.
- Immune response and antibody titres wane over time.
- Assessing long-term protection after diphtheria vaccination is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate diphtheria antitoxin titres 6 years after primary vaccination.
- To determine the need for booster doses based on long-term antibody levels.
- To compare the immunogenicity of different diphtheria toxoid doses.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of serum diphtheria antitoxin titres in 160 adults 6 years post-vaccination.
- Participants received either 7.5 Lf or 15 Lf doses of diphtheria toxoid in a prior trial.
- Subgroup analysis of truly non-immune participants was performed.
Main Results:
- Median diphtheria antitoxin titres decreased significantly from post-vaccination levels.
- A substantial proportion of individuals had titres below the protective threshold (< 0.01 IU ml-1).
- Lower titres were observed in the 7.5 Lf group compared to the 15 Lf group, especially in non-immune individuals.
Conclusions:
- Basic diphtheria toxoid vaccination requires booster injections 5-10 years later for sustained protection.
- The 15 Lf dose may offer more durable immunity than the 7.5 Lf dose.
- Long-term serological surveillance is important for vaccine efficacy assessment.