PT Journal
AU Janoutova, J
   Machaczka, O
   Zatloukalova, A
   Matouskova, I
   Janout, V
TI Tetanus as a disappearing infection
SO Profese Online
PY 2021
BP 10
EP 13
VL 14
IS 2
DI 10.5507/pol.2021.014
DE Tetanus; disappearing infection; ELISA antibodies; elderly people
AB Background: Tetanus is an important infectious disease that is characterized by high lethality. For many decades, an effective vaccine against this disease has been available, the use of which has achieved the elimination of this dangerous infection. Objective: To prove that at present tetanus is a disappearing infection, against which there is good immunity in all age groups, including the oldest individuals. Methods: Protective antibodies against tetanus have been demonstrated in persons over 60 years of age using the ELISA method. Results: Examination of elderly persons in serological reviews in the Czech Republic between 1986 and 2002 showed protective antibody titres. In most cases, a group of 13 people aged 61-93 years who had an interval of more than 10 years from the last vaccination had tetanus antibody protection titres. Conclusions: Elderly people in the Czech Republic have good and acceptable immunity to tetanus as confirmed by a number of antibody tests within serological reviews or other examinations. The epidemiological situation in tetanus in the Czech Republic is also circumstantial evidence, but highly valid. Since 1990, only isolated cases have been recorded, with still high exposure of the entire population.
ER