Serological surveillance of diphtheria

The serological method (indirect hemagglutination test) has been used in the surveillance of diphtheria infection. The structure of immunity to diphtheria in the population of the region has been studied. The possibility of increasing intervals between booster immunizations has been confirmed. The introduction of planned booster immunizations of the adult population with diphtheria toxoid is proposed.     

The humoral immunity against diphtheria

Results of the conducted study showed that naturally acquired antibacterial and postvaccinal antitoxic antibodies against diphtheria were found in human blood sera. Challenge of ADT-M toxoid to adults resulted in production of antitoxic as well as antibacterial antibodies in high concentrations. In response to challenge of ADT-M toxoid simultaneously with bacterial vaccine against diphtheria Codivac both antibacterial and antitoxic antibodies were synthesized in blood on optimal physiologic levels. This study revealed dynamics of some specific characteristics of humoral immune response after challenge of two different vaccines against diphtheria--ADT-M toxoid and Codivac vaccine.