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Diphtheria is an acute respiratory disease caused by infection with Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Casefatality rates for respiratory diphtheria reached 50% in epidemics in the 1880s and remain [approximately equal to]5%-10% even [...]

The immunogenicity and reactogenicity of a tetanus-diphtheria 5-component acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) in adolescents and adults is assessed. The results indicated that this Tdap vaccine elicited robust immune responses in adolescents and adults to pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria antigens, while exhibiting an overall safety profile similar to that of a licensed Td vaccine.

Objective. To study the effect of dexamethasone in preterm infants with chronic lung disease (CLD) on antibody response to routine immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP). Methods. Serum samples were obtained before and after immunization with DTP (Trivax-AD) from an unselected cohort of 93 preterm infants in the United Kingdom. Antibodies to diphtheria and tetanus and to 4 pertussis antigens (pertussis toxin, filamentous hemagglutinin, pertactin, and fimbrial agglutinogens 2 + 3) were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Linear regression models were fitted to the natural log of antibody titers to compare the dexamethasone-treated and -untreated infants adjusting for potential risk factors. Results. Sixty-seven (72%) of 93 infants received dexamethasone. Preimmunization geometric mean titers (GMTs) were comparable in both groups for all antibodies. The rise in GMT after immunization was reduced in the dexamethasone-treated group. Final GMT was significantly lower for tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis toxin, and fimbrial agglutinogens 2 + 3 but not for filamentous hemagglutinin or pertactin. Using the minimum protective titer of 0.01 IU/mL, there was no significant reduction in protection for diphtheria and tetanus in the dexamethasone-treated infants. Using the higher reference titer of 0.1 IU/mL, there was a 16% reduction in protection for diphtheria (95% confidence interval: 3%-27%) and a 9% reduction in protection for tetanus (95% confidence interval: -7% to 20%). Conclusions. The use of dexamethasone for CLD in preterm infants is associated with a reduction in antibody titer to routine immunization against diphtheria and tetanus. Antibody responses to 2 of 4 pertussis antigens are reduced, but the clinical significance of this observation is unclear. Protection against tetanus and diphtheria is not impaired when the lower reference value for protective antibody is used. On the basis of this study of UK preterm infants who were treated with dexamethasone for the management of CLD, we conclude that the current DTP immunization schedule is adequate and do not recommend additional booster protection against tetanus or diphtheria during early infancy. When diphtheria prevalence is increased, however, additional protection should be considered. Pediatrics 2004;113:733-737; preterm, dexamethasone, chronic lung disease, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, immunization., All infants in the United Kingdom are routinely offered immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP), polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) at 2, 3, and 4 months of [...]

There has been an outbreak of Pertussis in a high school in Cook County, Illinois in the US. It has been suggested that a mass Tdap vaccination drive be conducted to help control the outbreak of the disease.

During 2003-2006, diphtheria rates in Hyderabad, India, were higher among persons 5-19 years of age, women, and Muslims than among other groups. Vaccine was efficacious among those who received [greater [...]

Despite considerable progress in recent years, immunization programmes aimed at eradicating diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and poliomyelitis are still failing to reach millions of children, leaving many at risk of catching [...]

Results of a study to evaluate the impact of accelerating infant vaccination such as Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP) in infants during an outbreak of pertussis have revealed that such vaccination was found to be effective. The new and innovative approach to promote immunization and vaccination and its benefits is highlighted.

Pertussis, outbreak investigation and importance of the recommnedations to administer tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine to health care worker to prevent transmission of pertussis to patients is discussed.

Previous research found an association between decreased antibody response to diphtheria and tetanus toxoid in children and early postnatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In a follow-up study, Heilman et [...]

To the Editor: Recent reports have raised concerns about transmission of pertussis among troops stationed in Afghanistan and indicated lack of data about pertussis in this country (1,2). To fill [...]