A report of diphtheria surveillance from a rural medical college hospital.
J Indian Med Assoc
;
1998 Aug; 96(8): 236-8
Article
in English
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-98498
ABSTRACT
A 5-year sentinel surveillance of diphtheria from 1989 to 1993 was undertaken at a rural medical college hospital. No significant change in the number of diphtheria cases was observed in spite of sustained high level of diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus vaccine-3 doses (DPT3) coverage. Most of the diphtheria cases occurred during July to November. Age distribution of diphtheria cases showed that more than 75% occurred above 2 years age (except in 1989) and around 65% cases above 3 years age. The age shift in diphtheria signified success of primary diphtheria immunisation, as well as indicated the lack of coverage with booster doses at appropriate ages. Because of high coverage with primary diphtheria immunisation there was decrease in circulating toxigenic C diphtheriae resulting in less natural boosting of antibody titre. Thus, in absence of booster immunisation, the older children and adults were more vulnerable to diphtheria. The findings of the study justified the need of emphasising importance of booster diphtheria immunisation at appropriate ages for effective control of diphtheria.
Full text:
Available
Index:
IMSEAR (South-East Asia)
Main subject:
Seasons
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Infant, Newborn
/
Diphtheria Toxoid
/
Child
/
Child, Preschool
/
Prospective Studies
/
Retrospective Studies
/
Age Factors
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Risk factors
/
Screening study
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
J Indian Med Assoc
Year:
1998
Type:
Article
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