Measure of immunologic responses to an improved preparation of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids (alum precipitated) combined with pertussis vaccine

Abstract

Summary 1.In 25 babies a comparative study between H. pertussis agglutinins and the pertussis agglutinogen skin test was made before and six months following immunization with a combination of H. pertussis vaccine and alum precipitated diphtheria and tetanus toxoids. 2.Diphtheria antitoxin levels and Schick reactions were compared in a small group of babies. 3.Tetanus antitoxin blood levels were determined in a small group of babies before and after immunization. 4.Schick tests and H. pertussis agglutinogen skin test were done in an additional 75 babies before and after immunization. 5.We observed an apparent correlation between the H. pertussis agglutination tes and the agglutinogen skin test as a measure of immunity. 6.A variation in the correlation between diphtheria antitoxin titers and Schick reactions was noted. On the basis of the antitoxin titers all babies tested showed adequate protective levels. However, in this group 12 per cent were Schick positive. 7.Following immunization all babies tested for tetanus antitoxin levels showed adequate amounts for protection. 8.In 75 babies the H. pertussis agglutinogen test showed 74 to be negativew immune and after immunization this group tested 100 per cent positive immune. 9.The Schick test in 75 babies before immunization was positive in 78.6 per cent and negative in 21.3 per cent. After immunization we had 86.6 per cent negative and 13.3 per cent positive reactions. 10.We observedf no serious systemic or local reactions in the two series of babies treated. A significant observation was the relatively few nodules, small in size, which resulted from the injections and which disappeared in a short time without treatment. Summary 1.In 25 babies a comparative study between H. pertussis agglutinins and the pertussis agglutinogen skin test was made before and six months following immunization with a combination of H. pertussis vaccine and alum precipitated diphtheria and tetanus toxoids. 2.Diphtheria antitoxin levels and Schick reactions were compared in a small group of babies. 3.Tetanus antitoxin blood levels were determined in a small group of babies before and after immunization. 4.Schick tests and H. pertussis agglutinogen skin test were done in an additional 75 babies before and after immunization. 5.We observed an apparent correlation between the H. pertussis agglutination tes and the agglutinogen skin test as a measure of immunity. 6.A variation in the correlation between diphtheria antitoxin titers and Schick reactions was noted. On the basis of the antitoxin titers all babies tested showed adequate protective levels. However, in this group 12 per cent were Schick positive. 7.Following immunization all babies tested for tetanus antitoxin levels showed adequate amounts for protection. 8.In 75 babies the H. pertussis agglutinogen test showed 74 to be negativew immune and after immunization this group tested 100 per cent positive immune. 9.The Schick test in 75 babies before immunization was positive in 78.6 per cent and negative in 21.3 per cent. After immunization we had 86.6 per cent negative and 13.3 per cent positive reactions. 10.We observedf no serious systemic or local reactions in the two series of babies treated. A significant observation was the relatively few nodules, small in size, which resulted from the injections and which disappeared in a short time without treatment.