[Prevalence of antibodies against tetanus, diphtheria and Bordetella pertussis in health care professionals].

AIM

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies versus tetanus, diphtheria and Bordetella pertussis in a population of health care personnel.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A transversal study was carried out in a population of healthy health care professionals from two hospitalary centers in the Community of Madrid (Spain). The ELISA method was used for antibody determinations. The determination of antibodies versus tetanus and diphtheria was performed in a total of 344 individuals (mean age 32 years) and that of whooping cough in 104 subjects (mean age 23 years).

RESULTS

The global prevalence of tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough was of 76.5, 48 and 57%, respectively. The prevalence of antibodies versus tetanus was significantly greater in males than in females.

CONCLUSIONS

Revaccination versus tetanus and diphtheria is recommended every 10 years to guarantee protector antibody concentrations in adults. With regard to whooping cough, revaccination could be a strategy to consider in the future, particularly in risk groups in contact with cases of this disease.