Οροεπιδημιολογική μελέτη ανοσίας έναντι διφθερίτιδας, τετάνου και κοκκύτη σε δείγμα ελληνικού πληθυσμού

Abstract

Introduction Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis are infectioπs diseases characterized by significant morbility and mortality. Implementation of expanded vaccination programmes, resulted in disappeance of diphtheria and tetanus in the industrialized countries while a significant percentage of susceptible to disease adults to these infectious remain. Regarding pertussis there are seroepidemiological studies in which a rise in the prevalence of the disease is documented in teenagers and young adults, even in countries with high percentage of vaccination. Aim of the study The aim of the present study is to determine the level of antibodies against diphtheria, tetanus toxin and Bordetella pertussis in a sample of Greek population. Materials and Methods During one year (2003-2004) blood samples from 1000 persons aged 1 year - > 70 years old were collected. The population of the study had no disease that could affect their immune system and was divided in different age groups. A different group was a population of gypsies who live in groups. From all the individuals of the study information was collected regarding vaccination status and demographics. Levels of IgG antibodies against diphtheritic and tetanic toxin, as well as against PT Toxin of Bordetella pertussis were measured by ELISA (SERION ELISA classic). The statistic findings were performed by the system SPSS. For the comparisons of the parameters (sex, age, vaccination, nationality and the protective levels of antibodies), the x2 test was used. Results Immunity percentage for diphtheria in age groups < 5 years, 6-19 years, 20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years θαη >50 years were respectively 77,3%, 84,3%, 69,6%, 44,5%, 24,1% θαη 28,5% for diphtheria and 90,1%, 93,2%, 83,2%, 87,4%, 73,3% θαη 36,8% for tetanus. For pertussis in age groups <2 years, >2-6 years, >6-12 years, >12-22 years, >22-32 years, >32-42 years, >42-52 years θαη >53 years was respectively 43,8%, 36%, 17,6%, 28,2%, 22,3%, 18,4%, 27,4% θαη 16,5%. - 80 - Conclusion A significant percentage of susceptible adults to disease in our country exist for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. A rise in the levels of antibodies agaist pertussis in teenagers and young adults is attributed rather to reinfection than to vaccination. Teenagers and young adults should be considered as target-groups for the booster vaccination with new acellular vaccine adult type.