Investigation of tetanus antibody levels in adults

Abstract

Aim: Tetanus is an acute and lethal disease caused by exotoxins named tetanospasmin produced by Clostridium tetani. Despite being vaccine-preventable, tetanus is still a toxic-infectious disease with high mortality. In this cross-sectional study, it is aimed to determine levels of tetanus anti-toxin IgG and factors affecting it in adults in the region. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with patients applied to the blood sampling laboratory unit of Düzce University Hospital. Tetanus anti-toxin IgG Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay kits (Catalog number: EI 2060-9601 G, Euroimmun, Germany) were used for detection of tetanus antibodies. Those with tetanus anti-toxin IgG >0.1 IU/ml were considered immunized. Socio-demographic information of participants were collected using a questionnaire during blood collection. Results: Sufficient tetanus antibody was detected in 140 (39.3%) of 356 patients. Protective antibody ratios were found as 49 (70.0%) in 30-40 age group, 39 (54.9%) in 41-50 age group, 22 (31.0%) in 51-60 age group, 16 (22.2%) in 61-70 age group and 14 (19.4%) in >71 age group. Tetanus immunity ratios were significantly reduced with aging (p<0.001). Protective antibodies were found to be higher in the groups who had more education and who were vaccinated in adult ages for any reason than in the other groups (both p<0.001). Conclusion: It was thought that the childhood immunity should be reinforced with the booster doses during adulthood by routine tetanus immunization program. In addition, the high level of tetanus immunity in those with high educational level has shown the importance of education.