[Humoral immunity, 5 years after anti-tetanus vaccination, in a group of malaria-infected and malnourished African children].
In 1978 a campaign of vaccination against tetanus was conducted in a savannah biotope of Burkina Faso (Garango). The effects of 1 or 2 tetanus toxoid injections and of concomitant malnutrition and malaria infection were assessed by measurements of specific antibody and cell-mediated responses. None of these 2 variables did interfere with the development of anti-tetanus immunity. In 1983, 5 years later, similar results were obtained, giving evidence that in spite of malnutrition and malaria, factors known for their immunosuppressive action, a good degree of specific protection was acquired. This local survey revealed also that multiple schemes of vaccination, 1 to 5 injections of vaccine over 5 years, had been performed by unidentified operators. The issues raised by such incongrous, costly and possibly detrimental practices are discussed within the frame of national vaccination policies.
Monjour
L
L
Laboratoire de Parasitologie Expérimentale, Faculté de Médecine Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.
Bourdillon
F
F
Korinek
A M
AM
Aubonnet-Laignel
A
A
Brousse
G
G
Gentilini
M
M
Bayard
P
P
Ballet
J J
JJ
D000917:Antibody Formation; D002050:Burkina Faso; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000276:immunology*; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000276:immunology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology*
D013745:Tetanus Toxoid
Etude de l'immunité humorale, cinq ans après vaccination antitétanique, d'un groupe d'enfants africains paludéens et malnutris.