Immunity to tetanus in male adults in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
OBJECTIVE
To determine immunity to tetanus in male blood donors with previous diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT)/tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccination.


METHODS
A cross sectional study, conducted in September 1999.


METHODS
Blood bank, Muhimbili Medical Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.


METHODS
Using an antigen competition ELISA technique, serum tetanus anti-toxin levels in two hundred male blood donors were determined.


RESULTS
Vaccination history was absent in 43 (21.5%) blood donors, whereas 60 (30%) and 97 (48.5%) reported childhood DPT and TT vaccination, respectively. Tetanus anti-toxin was undetectable in 47 (23.5%) blood donors and the levels were below that considered protective (> or = 0.1 IU/ml) in 25 (12.5%). Among those with undetectable level, 43 (91.5%) had no vaccination history. Time after last DPT/TT vaccination correlated significantly with tetanus anti-toxin levels (r2=-0.331, p=0.001). In multivariate analysis, TT doses received and time after last vaccination explained 4.8% and 29.4%, respectively, of the variations in tetanus anti-toxin levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Seventy two (36%) male blood donors were susceptible to tetanus and the susceptibility was highest from 48 years. A regular TT booster dose at 10 yearly intervals is recommended to provide adequate and long lasting immunity in male adults. Proper keeping of vaccination records is emphasised.
Aboud
S
S
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Lyamuya
E F
EF
Kristoffersen
E K
EK
Matre
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001782:Blood Donors; D015721:Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013636:Tanzania; D013742:Tetanus / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D015721:Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine