Immune response in malnutrition--study following routine DPT immunization!
Paul, S.; Saini, L.; Grover, S.; Ray, K.; Ray, S.N.; Gupta, S.
Indian Pediatrics 16(1): 3-10
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 437880 Document Number: 149591
Eighty children, 80% of whom were malnourished, were studied for antibody response after DPT immunization. All were protected against diphtheria after Schedule A (3 doses) and Schedule B (2 doses), 36.9 and 43.2% were unprotected against tetanus, respectively. There were significantly low values of antibody to diphtheria and tetanus in the malnourished group. The dangerously low values of tetanus antitoxin titre after immunization were probably due to the low values of tetanus toxoid in the vaccine used. The efficacy of the 2-dose schedule in the malnourished children is doubted with the presently available vaccines and calls for suitable modifications of the vaccines, especially for the vulnerable groups of undernourished populations.