Immunity to diphtheria in the 4-70 year age group in Italy

Vaccine. 1995;13(8):771-3. doi: 10.1016/0264-410x(94)00051-n.

Abstract

Diphtheria antibody level in serum samples obtained from 270 subjects aged 4-70 was measured by in vitro seroneutralization test on Vero cells. Of the studied population, 27.8% had an antibody titre below the protective level (< 0.01 IU/ml). The prevalence of susceptible subjects showed a significant age-related increase (p < 0.01), with the highest value (53.8%) in the 31-40 age group. Mean antibody titre was maximum in individuals aged 13-14, then decreased reaching the minimum level in the 41-50 age group. These data suggest that in individuals aged 30-50, diphtheria immunity is not satisfactory, both for prevalence of immune subjects and for antibody levels. Therefore, a revaccination of adults with reduced doses of diphtheria toxoid may be advisable.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aging / immunology*
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / biosynthesis
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diphtheria / immunology*
  • Diphtheria / physiopathology
  • Disease Susceptibility / immunology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Secondary
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neutralization Tests

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial