Tetanus Antibody Levels in The Risk Groups

This study was undertaken to investigate the antibody levels against tetanus in the risk groups and the factors affecting the immunity in those individuals. In the present study, 100 construction workers, 100 mechanical workers and 100 farmers were included as risk groups and 100 blood donors as control group. All subjects filled the previously prepared questionnaire out and 6-8 mL of blood samples were obtained from each person. Tetanus antitoxin levels were determined by ELISA in the serum samples. The risk groups and the control group were compared in terms of tetanus immunity. In the control group, 49% immunity was detected. This ratio was 44% in the construction workers, 74% in the mechanical workers and 31% in the farmers. Of the risk groups, antitoxin (immunity) levels in the mechanical workers and farmers were significantly different from those seen in the controls (p 0.05). In all the subjects studied, there was statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) in the rates of antitoxin production between the group immunized within10 years and not immunized, between those over and under 30 years of age and between educated and uneducated individuals. Considering the difficulties in the treatment and high mortality rate, it can be considered that tetanus can be prevented in all individuals, particularly those in the risk groups, by booster application administered every 10 years after the primary immunization