Immunisation of adults during an outbreak of diphtheria.

Abstract

In an outbreak of infection due to Corynebacterium diphtheriae in a hospital for mentally subnormal adults sera from 211 members of staff were screened for diphtheria antitoxin titres. Of these, 79 (37%) required immunisation, and a low dose preparation (1 LfU of diphtheria and 10 LfU tetanus toxoids) was offered. Of the 64 subjects who accepted a single immunisation and were subsequently retested, seroconversion to diphtheria toxoid occurred in 45 (70%), the rate being highest in younger adults. Seroconversion to tetanus toxoid occurred in 59% of subjects. Local reactions to the single dose were reported by 29 (43%) subjects, and nine (13%) experienced moderately severe local reactions and systemic symptoms. We conclude that adults should not be vaccinated without previous screening for susceptibility to diphtheria; that neither previous immunisation nor age is reliable in predicting the need for vaccination; and that though a single booster dose of diphtheria toxoid is probably effective in adults under 45, two doses should be given to those in the older age group.

• Authors: S R Palmer, A H Balfour, A E Jephcott
• Journal: British medical journal (Clinical research ed.) (Br Med J (Clin Res Ed)) Vol. 286 Issue 6365 Pg. 624-6 (Feb 19 1983) ISSN: 0267-0623 [Print] England
• PMID: 6402176 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Diphtheria Antitoxin
• Diphtheria Toxoid
• Tetanus Toxoid

Topics

• Adult
• Cross Infection (prevention & control)
• Diphtheria (prevention & control)
• Diphtheria Antitoxin (analysis)
• Diphtheria Toxoid (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Disease Outbreaks (prevention & control)
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Female
• Hospitals, Special
• Humans
• Immunization
• Intellectual Disability
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Tetanus Toxoid (administration & dosage)