Lack of seroprotection against diphtheria in the Austrian population, in light of reported diphtheria cases in Europe, 2022

Euro Surveill. 2023 Apr;28(17):2300206. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2023.28.17.2300206.

Abstract

Following an increase in diphtheria cases in Europe since 2022, we retrospectively estimated the prevalence of seroprotection against diphtheria and tetanus in 10,247 Austrian residents (population: 8,978,929) voluntarily tested between 2018 and 2022. Lack of seroprotection against diphtheria was found in 36% compared with 4% against tetanus. The geometric mean antibody concentration against tetanus was 7.9-fold higher compared with that for diphtheria. Raising awareness of regular booster vaccinations against diphtheria in combination with tetanus and pertussis is urgently needed.

Keywords: Diphtheria; antibody waning; asylum seekers; booster vaccination; refugees; vaccine protection.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Austria / epidemiology
  • Diphtheria* / epidemiology
  • Diphtheria* / prevention & control
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Secondary
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tetanus* / epidemiology
  • Tetanus* / prevention & control
  • Whooping Cough* / prevention & control

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial