Seroprevalence of antibodies against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis across various age groups during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period in Chonburi Province, Thailand.

Journal: Heliyon
Published:
Abstract

Limited data exists regarding population immunity against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis in Thailand during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period. This study aimed to evaluate the age-specific seroprevalence of anti-diphtheria toxoid (anti-DT) IgG, anti-tetanus toxoid (anti-TT) IgG, and anti-pertussis toxin (anti-PT) IgG in individuals across diverse age groups in Chonburi province, Thailand following the COVID-19 pandemic. Between October 2022 and January 2023, a total of 657 participants from Chonburi Province, Thailand, were included in this study. The participants were categorized into 9 age groups: <5, 5-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, and >70 years. Analysis of anti-DT, anti-TT, and anti-PT IgG levels was conducted using commercial ELISA kits (EUROIMMUN, Lübeck, Germany). Overall, 65.4 % of the population had seroprotection against diphtheria (antibody level ≥0.1 IU/mL), while 95.1 % had seroprotection against tetanus (antibody level ≥0.1 IU/mL). The 31-40 years age group exhibited the lowest seroprotection for diphtheria (48.9 %), and the >70 years age group had the lowest seroprotection for tetanus (73.3 %). The <5 years age group showed the highest seropositive rate and highest geometric mean titers for anti-PT IgG. On the contrary, the majority of individuals over 11 years of age displayed anti-PT IgG levels below 40 IU/mL. To prevent diphtheria and pertussis outbreaks in Chonburi province, implementing catch-up vaccination is necessary. Targeted interventions should be deployed to enhance vaccination coverage among the susceptible population.

Authors
Nasamon Wanlapakorn, Nungruthai Suntronwong, Sitthichai Kanokudom, Suvichada Assawakosri, Preeyaporn Vichaiwattana, Sirapa Klinfueng, Lakana Wongsrisang, Thanunrat Thongmee, Ratchadawan Aeemjinda, Nongkanok Khanarat, Donchida Srimuan, Thaksaporn Thatsanathorn, Ritthideach Yorsaeng, Apirat Katanyutanon, Wichai Thanasopon, Wichan Bhunyakitikorn, Chaninan Sonthichai, Piyada Angsuwatcharakorn, Withak Withaksabut, Jira Chansaenroj, Natthinee Sudhinaraset, Yong Poovorawan
Relevant Conditions

Tetanus, Pertussis, Diphtheria