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Papagiannis D, Thireos E, Mariolis A, Katsioulis A, Lampropoulos IC, Tsiaousi I, Gartzonika K, Malliaraki N, Malli F, Rouka EC, Marinos G, Symvoulakis EK, Rachiotis G, Gourgoulianis KI. Diphtheria and Tetanus Immunity Status among Greek Adults: Results from a Nationwide Seroprevalence Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:378. [PMID: 38675760 PMCID: PMC11055123 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12040378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Diphtheria and tetanus could lead to serious morbidity. We aimed to evaluate immunity levels by measuring specific IgG antibodies for diphtheria and tetanus in serum samples from a nationally expanded sample of the Greek population. A geographically stratified sampling approach based on regional units (NUTS level 2) was applied by considering variables such as age group (30-80+) and sex. In total, 1201 persons (47.7% males and 52.3% females) participated in the survey. Bivariate analysis revealed a negative relationship between diphtheria and tetanus median antibody titers and age. The overall seropositivity rate for diphtheria IgG antibodies (≥0.10 IU/mL) was estimated at 31.5%. Regarding tetanus, the total seropositivity rate was estimated at 59.5% (tetanus IgG antibodies ≥0.10 IU/mL). Logistic regression analysis indicated that age groups <40 years and 40-59 years were independently associated with tetanus seropositivity. Logistic regression also revealed that male sex and being aged 60-69 years were independent risk factors for diphtheria-related seropositivity. Lastly, being resident of some regions was an independent risk factor for both diphtheria- and tetanus-related seropositivity. The present study shows that Greek adults are still not completely immune to diphtheria and tetanus. It is likely possible to achieve optimal immunization coverage by implementing serviceable public health initiatives after comprehending real community needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Papagiannis
- Public Health & Vaccines Laboratory, Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (A.K.); (E.C.R.)
| | - Eleftherios Thireos
- National Health System of Greece, Primary Health Center of Vari, 16672 Athens, Greece;
| | - Anargiros Mariolis
- National Health System of Greece, Primary Health Center, 23062 Areopolis, Greece;
| | - Antonios Katsioulis
- Public Health & Vaccines Laboratory, Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (A.K.); (E.C.R.)
| | - Ioannis Ch. Lampropoulos
- Respiratory Disorders Lab, Faculty of Nursing, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (I.C.L.); (F.M.)
| | - Ioanna Tsiaousi
- Private Primary Health Sector, Queen Sophia Avenue 123, 11521 Athens, Greece;
| | - Kostantina Gartzonika
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Niki Malliaraki
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry-Biochemistry, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece
| | - Foteini Malli
- Respiratory Disorders Lab, Faculty of Nursing, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (I.C.L.); (F.M.)
| | - Erasmia C. Rouka
- Public Health & Vaccines Laboratory, Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (A.K.); (E.C.R.)
| | - Georgios Marinos
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Emmanouil K. Symvoulakis
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Georgios Rachiotis
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, School of Health Science, University of Thessaly, 42200 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Konstantinos I. Gourgoulianis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
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Zacks N, Bar-Shai A, Levi H, Breslavsky A, Maayan S, Evgenia T, Feitelovich S, Wand O, Schaffer M, Sherer Y, Givaty G, Tzurel Ferber A, Michael T, Bilenko N. Assessment of Predictors for SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Decline Rate in Health Care Workers after BNT162b2 Vaccination-Results from a Serological Survey. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10. [PMID: 36146520 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: SARS-CoV-2 is a novel human pathogen causing Coronavirus Disease 2019 that has caused widespread global mortality and morbidity. Since health workers in Israel were among the first to be vaccinated, we had a unique opportunity to investigate the post-vaccination level of IgG anti-S levels antibodies (Abs) and their dynamics by demographic and professional factors. Methods: Prospective Serological Survey during December 2020−August 2021 at Barzilai Medical Center among 458 health care workers (HCW) followed for 6 months after the second BNT162b2 vaccine dose. Results: Antibody levels before the second dose, and 30, 90 and 180 days after were 57.1 ± 29.2, 223 ± 70.2, 172.8 ± 73.3 and 166.4 ± 100.7 AU/mL, respectively. From GEE analysis, females had higher Abs levels (β = 26.37 AU/mL, p = 0.002). Age was negatively associated with Abs, with a 1.17 AU/mL decrease for each additional year (p < 0.001). Direct contact with patients was associated with lower Abs by 25.02 AU/mL (p = 0.009) compared to working with no such contact. The average decline rate overall for the study period was 3.0 ± 2.9 AU/mL per week without differences by demographic parameters and was faster during the first 3 months after vaccination than in the subsequent 3 months. Conclusions: All demographic groups experienced a decline in Abs over time, faster during the first 3 months. Findings of overall Abs lower in males, workers with direct contact with patients, and older workers, should be considered for policy-making about choosing priority populations for additional vaccine doses in hospital settings.
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Bogusz J, Augustynowicz E, Paradowska-Stankiewicz I. Tetanus in Poland in 2018-2019. Przegl Epidemiol 2021; 75:361-366. [PMID: 35170292 DOI: 10.32394/pe.75.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tetanus is an acute disease of the nervous system caused by tetanus toxin (neurotoxin) produced by tetanus bacilli (Clostridium tetani). This disease can be prevented by vaccination. In Poland, thanks to obligatory vaccinations of children and adolescents and high vaccination coverage, the disease has been practically eliminated. Less than 20 cases are recorded each year. AIM The aim of the work is to analyze the epidemiological indicators of tetanus in Poland in 2018-2019. METHODS The analysis of the Polish tetanus epidemiological situation in 2018-2019 was based on a review of data from the bulletins "Infections diseases in Poland in 2018", "Infections diseases in Poland in 2019" and the analysis of the population immunization was made on the basis of data from the bulletins "Protective Vaccination in Poland in 2018", "Protective Vaccination in Poland in 2019". RESULTS There are 17 tetanus cases registered in 2019, in 2018 8 cases. The total incidence rate was 0.044 per 100 thousand population and was higher compared to 2018 (0.021). All reports involved hospitalized individuals. SUMMARY The few cases of tetanus in Poland occur mainly in people over 60 years of age. These can be linked to the lack of tetanus booster vaccination of adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Bogusz
- National Institute of Public Health NIH - National Research Institute, Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance
| | - Ewa Augustynowicz
- National Institute of Public Health NIH - National Research Institute, Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance
| | - Iwona Paradowska-Stankiewicz
- National Institute of Public Health NIH - National Research Institute, Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance
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