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Age-specific seroprevalence of poliomyelitis, diphtheria and tetanus antibodies in Spain

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 January 2003

I. PACHÓN ,
C. AMELA  and
F. DE ORY
I. PACHÓN
Affiliation:
National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Public Health, Madrid, Spain
C. AMELA
Affiliation:
National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Public Health, Madrid, Spain
F. DE ORY
Affiliation:
National Microbiology Centre, Carlos III Institute of Public Health, Madrid, Spain
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Abstract

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In 1996, a seroepidemiological study was undertaken in Spain, with the main aim of estimating the population's immunity against poliomyelitis, tetanus and diphtheria. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted, covering the population aged 2–39 years. The sample was stratified by age and rural–urban environment, and informed consent obtained to take blood specimens from subjects attending phlebotomy centres. The study included 3932 persons and the prevalence of antibodies against all three types of poliovirus exceeded 94% across all age groups. From a high of 96% in subjects under the age of 15 years, immunity against diphtheria steadily declined to a low of 32·3% in subjects aged 30–39 years. Similarly, tetanus antitoxin concentrations indicating basic protection were present in 98–99% of the under-14 years age group; thereafter, immunity declined, until reaching 54·6% in the 30–39 years age group.

Type
Research Article
Information
Epidemiology & Infection , Volume 129 , Issue 3 , December 2002 , pp. 535 - 541
Copyright
2002 Cambridge University Press