title: Seroprevalence of antibody against diphtheria among the population in Khon Kaen province, Thailand.
abstract: To assess diphtheria immunity in the northeastern region of Thailand, a seroepidemiological survey was undertaken in 2011 from 516 healthy individuals (age range 2-87 years) in Khon Kaen province. Diphtheria antitoxin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and titers of ≥0.1 IU/mL were considered to be protective antitoxin levels. Among the studied population, 94.8% have fully protective levels. The younger population (age range 2-19 years) has higher diphtheria immunity with seroprotection rates of 96.8% to 97.9%, compared with the adult population. The proportion of protective diphtheria antitoxin levels declines to 88.3% to 91.9% in the middle-aged group (20-50 years), and appeared to be higher again in the older age-group (50-70 years). To avoid epidemic spreading, promoting immunization booster programs will be helpful, especially among the adult population (20-50 years). Finally, this study may serve as a valuable guide in deciding exactly which age-groups should be targeted by such an effort.
authors: Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors: Hataichanok
authors: H
authors: Bansiddhi
authors: Chum Phae Hospital, Chum Phae District, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand.
authors: Viboonsuk
authors: V
authors: Vuthitanachot
authors: Chum Phae Hospital, Chum Phae District, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand.
authors: Chanpim
authors: C
authors: Vuthitanachot
authors: Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors: Slinporn
authors: S
authors: Prachayangprecha
authors: Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors: Apiradee
authors: A
authors: Theamboonlers
authors: Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand yong.p@chula.ac.th.
authors: Yong
authors: Y
authors: Poovorawan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004165:Diphtheria / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology*; D004166:Diphtheria Antitoxin / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004166:Diphtheria Antitoxin