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Four and one-half-year follow-up of the effectiveness of diphtheria-tetanus toxoids-acellular pertussis/Haemophilus influenzae type b and diphtheria-tetanus toxoids-acellular pertussis-inactivated poliovirus/H. influenzae type b combination vaccines in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Recently an increase in the number of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) cases was observed in the United Kingdom, which coincided with a temporary change from diphtheria-tetanus toxoids-wild-type pertussis to diphtheria-tetanus toxoids-acellular pertussis (DTaP) Hib vaccines. A study in Germany based on approximately 2 years of follow-up, estimated vaccine effectiveness (VE) of DTaP/Hib and DTaP-inactivated poliovirus/Hib combination vaccines against invasive Hib disease to be high. OBJECTIVES: To assess VE of DTaP-containing Hib vaccines against Hib in Germany with the use of extended follow-up of case surveillance and vaccine uptake. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Cases with confirmed systemic Hib infections in children born between June 1, 1996 and December 31, 1998 were ascertained by a nationwide active surveillance system from January 1998 through June 2002. A representative subcohort of 667 children born in the same time frame was randomly sampled in a nationwide vaccine coverage survey. VE was determined with a case-cohort approach of Cox regression with time-dependent covariates. RESULTS: Thirty-six cases of Hib disease were reported. Of these, 10 were vaccinated with DTaP-containing Hib vaccines only and 20 were not vaccinated. Of the 10 vaccinated cases, 4 had received an incomplete primary series (1-2 doses), and 6 had received the full primary series (3 doses), 3 of whom also received the booster dose. VE of combination vaccines against invasive Hib infection was 89.6% [95% confidence interval (CI), 67.0-96.7] for an incomplete primary series, 96.7% (95% CI 87.7-99.1) for a full primary series and 98.5% (95% CI 94.5-99.6) for a booster dose (irrespective of priming). CONCLUSION: Hib combination vaccines containing acellular pertussis antigens continue to be highly effective in Germany.

Case-Control Studies↗

An improved assay for human tetanus anti-toxin and its use in the accession of human plasma for the production of high-titre tetanus immunoglobulin.

A simplified passive haemagglutination (PHA) screening test, an improved quantitative PHA assay, and a stable test cell preparation are described, as well as a comprehensive testing strategy which have been used in concert at this Service over the past 10 years for the successful accession of high-titre tetanus anti-toxin (TAT) plasma for fractionation into human tetanus immunoglobulin (HTIG). The sequential deployment of the screening and quantitative assays, has permitted large numbers of donors to be screened quickly and economically, and has helped establish a significant core of regular donors with high TAT levels. The assays have proven to be highly sensitive and specific and relatively simple to perform, while the coated cells are inexpensive and easily prepared. Approximately 20% of donors screened from the Sydney metropolitan area had TAT levels of 3 IU/ml or greater.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

Influence of preimmunization with tetanus toxoid on immune responses to tetanus toxin fragment C-guest antigen fusions in a Salmonella vaccine carrier.

We have previously described a new system for the delivery of recombinant antigens in live Salmonella vaccines as genetic fusions to the C terminus of fragment C of tetanus toxin (TetC) driven by the anaerobically inducible nirB promoter. It has been reported that preimmunization with tetanus toxoid (TT) can suppress the antibody response to peptides chemically coupled to TT (epitope-specific suppression) in both animals and humans, which could interfere with efficacy of the Salmonella-TetC delivery system. We report that preimmunization of BALB/c mice with TT in alum did not suppress the response to either of two protective antigens of Schistosoma mansoni, the full-length S. mansoni P28 glutathione S-transferase (P28) and a construct consisting of eight tandem copies of the protective peptide comprising amino acids 115 to 131 of P28. The guest antigens were expressed in the aroA Salmonella typhimurium SL3261 vaccine strain as fusions to TetC. Preimmunization with TT 10 weeks before administration of the recombinant salmonellae did not alter the antibody response to the full-length P28, whereas the response to the peptide comprising amino acids 115 to 131 was increased by preimmunization with TT, with the increase seen mainly in the immunoglobulin G1 isotype. The antitetanus response was increased by preimmunization with TT in all groups receiving salmonellae expressing TetC. The results could be important when one is considering the use of the Salmonella-TetC delivery system in populations preimmunized with TT.

Animals↗

Cell surface-exposed tetanus toxin fragment C produced by recombinant Bacillus anthracis protects against tetanus toxin.

Bacillus anthracis, the causal agent of anthrax, synthesizes two surface layer (S-layer) proteins, EA1 and Sap, which account for 5 to 10% of total protein and are expressed in vivo. A recombinant B. anthracis strain was constructed by integrating into the chromosome a translational fusion harboring the DNA fragments encoding the cell wall-targeting domain of the S-layer protein EA1 and tetanus toxin fragment C (ToxC). This construct was expressed under the control of the promoter of the S-layer component gene. The hybrid protein was stably expressed on the cell surface of the bacterium. Mice were immunized with bacilli of the corresponding strain, and the hybrid protein elicited a humoral response to ToxC. This immune response was sufficient to protect mice against tetanus toxin challenge. Thus, the strategy developed in this study may make it possible to generate multivalent live veterinary vaccines, using the S-layer protein genes as a cell surface display system.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Impairment of tetanus-specific cellular and humoral responses following tetanus vaccination in human lymphatic filariasis.

To investigate the consequences of the impaired parasite-specific immune response in lymphatic filariasis, the effect of concurrent Wuchereria bancrofti infection on the immune response to tetanus toxoid (TT) following tetanus vaccination was studied in 20 asymptomatic microfilaremic (MF) patients, 20 patients with chronic lymphatic obstruction/elephantiasis (chronic pathology [CP]), and 10 endemic normal (EN) control individuals at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after TT vaccination. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferative responses to TT before vaccination were not significantly different between the EN control and CP groups, but the MF group showed significantly lower baseline proliferative responses to TT compared with either the EN or CP group. Six months following vaccination, the change in proliferative response to TT was significantly greater in the EN and CP groups than in the MF group. This difference in proliferative response was reiterated in the gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) response in the EN group, in that they increased IFN-gamma production by 400% at 6 months, in contrast to that seen in the filaria-infected groups. In contrast to the IFN-gamma responses, PBMCs from the MF group produced significantly increased levels of TT-specific IL-10 compared with PBMCs from the EN group. Although there was significantly greater TT-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) production at baseline between the EN and MF groups, postvaccination IgG (and IgG1 isotype) responses did not differ among the groups, whereas TT-specific IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 were all increased in the EN group compared with the filaria-infected groups. These studies indicate that concurrent infection with W. bancrofti can diminish the immune response to an unrelated antigen by a mechanism that is likely to involve IL-10.

Adult↗

Severe tetanus complicating an open femoral fracture successfully managed using intrathecal human tetanus immunoglobulin and external fixation.

We report here a case of severe tetanus, complicating a compound fracture of the femur, successfully managed without intensive care facilities, using intravenous sedation and intrathecal Human Tetanus Immunoglobulin (HTI). Substitution of conventional traction (Transtibial Steinman Pin and Thomas Splint) for a Day Frame External Fixation Device (EFD) provided excellent fixation and stability of the fracture in spite of severe tetanic spasms.

Adolescent↗

The induction and suppression of in vitro IgG anti-tetanus toxoid antibody synthesis by human lymphocytes stimulated with tetanus toxoid in the absence of in vivo booster immunizations.

This report presents a new approach that by-passes booster immunizations with tetanus toxoid (TT) before in vitro studies of antibody (Ab) production. The methodology for optimal TT-induced synthesis of specific IgG anti-tetanus toxoid Ab (IgG anti-TT) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from randomly selected TT immune individuals without recent booster immunizations is described. PBMC from most normal immune subjects could be repeatedly induced to produce in vitro IgG anti-TT; PBMC from subjects with high TT titers are not required for this new approach. This approach uses high cell concentrations in multiple replicate microcultures and TT washout to obtain optimal IgG anti-TT synthesis. Washed cultures produced more Ab than nonwashed cultures (p less than or equal to 0.005). The readdition of TT (2.5 to 250 ng/ml) to the culture media after washout of TT on day 4 suppressed specific Ab formation, whereas diphtheria toxoid added at comparable doses did not inhibit specific Ab formation. Suppression of antibody synthesis mediated by T cells could be induced by TT per se, and was not due to binding of synthesized Ab to TT in the latter 8 days of culture. In addition, suppression could not be induced in the first 4 days of culture by IgG anti-TT, IgG, or IgM. This approach permits the analysis of antigen-specific regulatory circuits in the steady and activated immune states, and the evaluation of in vivo and in vitro effects of biologic response modifiers on specific Ab production.

Adult↗

ELISA detection of specific functional antibodies in human serum to Escherichia coli, tetanus toxoid, and diphtheria-tetanus toxoids: normal values for IgG, IgA, and IgM.

An inexpensive, easily performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to measure specific IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies to the common antigens Escherichia coli, diphtheria-tetanus toxoid, and tetanus toxoid. Normal values were established. Classical antibody deficiency disease states were confirmed and delineated by these assays. Additionally, several instances were discovered when functional antibody levels were abnormal when the serum immunoglobulin levels were normal. The use of ELISA assays for antibodies to common antigens provides a useful technique to measure and monitor isotype responses of the humoral immune system.

Adult↗

Structure of tetanus toxin. Demonstration and separation of a specific enzyme converting intracellular tetanus toxin to the extracellular form.

Protease activity has been demonstrated in culture supernatants of Clostridium tetani at various stages of fermentation. Gel chromatography of the concentrated filtrates revealed the presence of three enzymatically active fractions eluting at separate positions off the column. The smallest protease was found to "nick" the single chain intracellular tetanus toxin, producing the extracellular, two-chain structure of the molecule. As little as 3 ng of active protease were sufficient to cleave 50 microgram of intracellular tetanus toxin, suggesting that this enzyme is responsible for the observed structural change of the toxin molecule during its release into the culture medium. By comparison, the second protease, eluting at an intermediate position, exhibited only marginal activity towards intracellular toxin. The third, largest, enzyme was not active under the conditions of the assay. However, the latter protease effectively hydrolyzed low molecular weight histidyl peptides, and it is concluded that this enzyme is similar to the one described by Miller, P.A. Gray, C.T., and Eaton, M.D. (1960) J. Bacteriol. 79, 95-102. The properties of the partially purified enzymes, including their differential behavior towards a number of protease inhibitors, are reported.

Clostridium tetani↗

Immunization against neonatal tetanus in New Guinea. 4. Comparison of tetanus antitoxin titres obtained by haemagglutination and toxin neutralization in mice.

Haemagglutination (HA) has been used frequently for the titration of tetanus antitoxin but published results have varied in relation to the "unitage" determined by the mouse toxin-neutralization test (TN). This report gives the results of the titration of a group of sera by haemagglutination and compares them with the results obtained by toxin neutralization. Although there was marked variation between HA and TN titres of individual sera, results indicated that haemagglutination is a useful procedure for the over-all evaluation of the antitoxin responses to tetanus toxoids in field studies.

Animals↗

Oral immunization against diphtheria and tetanus infections by fluid diphtheria and tetanus toxoids.

Purified diphtheria toxoid incorporated in egg yolk and mixed with a medicinal plant seed was used to orally immunize rabbits against diphtheria infection. Animals were partially immunized against a lethal diphtheria toxin challenge. The immunity was complete when gastric enzyme juices were inhibited before oral vaccination by aprotinin, a natural protease inhibitor. Rabbits and monkeys were orally immunized against both diphtheria and tetanus in the same way by pre-treatment with aprotinin. Adult volunteers receiving protease inhibitor before administration of oral toxoids have shown a significant rise in specific circulating antitoxins.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Protection against tetanus toxin in mice nasally immunized with recombinant Lactococcus lactis expressing tetanus toxin fragment C.

Mice inoculated intranasally (i.n.) with a recombinant strain of live Lactococcus lactis expressing tetanus toxin fragment C (TTFC), produced both serum and secretory antibodies to TTFC. Killed bacteria which had accumulated TTFC intracellularly in vitro also elicited protective serum antibody responses. There was no requirement for either colonization or invasion of the mucosa. In addition secretory antibody responses in the lung and nasal tissues were elicited after i.n. inoculation in the presence of an adjuvant.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Antibody response of children to measles vaccine mixed with diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus or diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus-poliomyelitis vaccine.

The feasibility of giving measles vaccine mixed with either diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) or DPT-poliomyelitis (DPTP) vaccine was investigated to simplify the routine immunization schedule. Children 12 to 18 months of age, due for measles immunization, were given measles vaccine alone or mixed with DPT or DPTP. Their prevaccination and four-weeks postvaccination serum samples were tested for the measles virus hemagglutination-inhibition antibody titer. Although 191 children completed the study, only 160 were initially seronegative. The seroconversion rates and geometric mean antibody titers in children given measles vaccine alone, mixed with DPT, or mixed with DPTP were 98%, 96.3%, and 96.4% and 41, 53, and 53, respectively. Local and systemic reactions were no more frequent in children given the mixture of vaccines than in children given DPTP alone. In summary, injecting measles vaccine mixed with DPT or DPTP did not diminish its immunogenic potency or increase adverse reactions. We believe that freshly mixed measles and DPT or DPTP vaccines can be given together, thus avoiding two separate injections.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Therapeutic trial of intracisternal human tetanus immunoglobulin in clinical tetanus.

A trial has been conducted of the efficacy of human tetanus immunoglobulin (250 I U) administered intrathecally (intracisternally) in addition to standard treatment (equine antitoxin intravenously, penicillin, anticonvulsants). The trial was analysed sequentially and was stopped for 120 patients when there was no longer any chance of achieving a statistically significant difference in favour of intrathecal administration. The sequential plan was modified during the trial. A prognostic correlation was found between onset of the first symptom and admission to hospital.

Adult↗

Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of primary immunization with a hexavalent diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis-hepatitis B-inactivated polio-Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine coadministered with two doses of a meningococcal C-tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the concurrent use of meningococcal C tetanus conjugate (MenC-TT) vaccine (NeisVac-C) with DTaP-based combinations, according to 2 vaccination schedules, one of which included hepatitis B vaccination at birth (Trial DTaP-HBV-IPV/Hib-097). METHODS: Healthy infants were randomized to receive either DTaP-HBV-IPV/Hib (Infanrix hexa) at 2, 4, and 6 months (N = 115) or HBV at birth followed by DTaP-HBV-IPV/Hib at 2 and 6 months and DTaP-IPV/Hib (Infanrix-IPV Hib) at 4 months (N = 115). In both groups 2 doses of MenC-TT conjugate were coadministered at 2 and 4 months, and compared with 3 doses of MenC-CRM197 conjugate (Meningitec) coadministered at 2, 4, and 6 months with DTaP-HBV-IPV/Hib (N = 120). Antibody concentrations were measured at 2, 6 and 7 months. Solicited local and general symptoms, unsolicited symptoms, and serious adverse events (SAEs) were recorded. RESULTS: All MenC-TT recipients had seroprotective concentrations of anti-PRP antibodies (> or = 0.15 microg/mL) 1 month after the third vaccine dose and all had SBA-MenC titers > or = 1:8 after the second dose of MenC-TT. These responses were noninferior to those seen after 3 doses of DTaP-HBV-IPV/Hib and MenC-CRM. Anti-PRP antibody GMCs were significantly higher in MenC-TT than MenC-CRM vaccinees (7.9, 7.3, 3.8 microg/mL, respectively). Immune responses to all other coadministered antigens were unimpaired, with seroprotection/seropositivity rates > or = 98.1% in MenC-TT vaccinees. All schedules studied were well tolerated, with no differences in reactogenicity between the study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Coadministration of DTaP-HBV-IPV/Hib or DTaP-IPV/Hib with 2 doses of MenC-TT conjugate vaccine is safe, well tolerated, and immunogenic, with no impairment of the response to the coadministered antigens.

Analysis of Variance↗

Immunization against neonatal tetanus in New Guinea. 5. Laboratory assayed potency of tetanus toxoids and relationship to human antitoxin response.

Previous papers in this series have shown that plain toxoids induced early primary antitoxin levels in women in New Guinea that were not significantly different from those induced by adsorbed toxoids but that at the end of 1 year the antitoxin levels differed significantly. Protective levels (not less than 0.01 unit/ml) induced by adsorbed toxoids persisted for more than 3 years. Results of laboratory assays of the toxoids reported in this paper show that per total human immunizing dose, the plain toxoids had 72 or less international units (IU) whereas the adsorbed toxoids had approximately 200 IU. The international "unitage" of these toxoids reflected the persistence of the human protective antitoxin level but not the early primary response. The assay results were in agreement with findings of other workers that the mouse as well as the guinea-pig may be satisfactory for potency assay of adsorbed toxoids. The need for determination of the international unitage of tetanus toxoids used in human studies and the confirmation of relationship of this value to persistence of antitoxin levels is emphasized.

Animals↗

Pertussis toxin enhanced IgG1 and IgE responses to primary tetanus immunization are mediated by interleukin-4 and persist during secondary responses to tetanus alone.

Pertussis toxin (Ptx), the major toxin product of Bordetella pertussis, has potent immunologic effect including adjuvant effects on antibody responses and sensitization for anaphylaxis. In order to further define the effect of Ptx on the class and subclass of murine antibody response, we measured total and antigen specific IgG subclasses and IgE in Balb/c mice after primary and secondary immunization with tetanus toxoid (TT). Low doses of Ptx (100 ng) given intravenously at the time of primary immunization increased primary IgG1 and IgE anti-TT antibodies as well as total IgG1 and IgE concentrations compared to controls. The increase in IgG1 subclass and IgE response when Ptx was present during primary immunization was even more pronounced after secondary immunization with TT alone 3 weeks or 3 months later. Similar effects were noted after diphtheria toxoid immunization in the presence of Ptx. Administration of the anti IL-4 monoclonal antibody (11B11) suppressed the enhanced total and TT-specific IgE responses but not the enhanced IgG1 responses. The presence of low concentrations of Ptx during primary immunization primes for induction of IL-4 producing T-cell help which enhances IgGI and IgE responses to the primary exposure as well as to subsequent exposures of the antigen in the absence of Ptx. This phenomenon may have significance for the adjuvant activity of vaccines containing Ptx as well as for the immune response to natural pertussis.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗