Duration of Artificial Active Immunity against Diphtheria

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Abstract
An account is given of an investigation into the duration of artificial immunity against diphtheria in a country area with a child population (1 to 15 yrs.) of 9,600, 95% of whom had been immunized. All children in the 6- and 5-yr. groups, and many in the 4-yr. group, had received 3 injns. of T.A.F. at intervals of 14 and 21 days. This antigen gave 98% successes. The others received A.P.T., the 2-yr. group. Over 3,000 children were Schick-tested 2-6 yrs. after completion of a course of immunization. None of these was positive when tested 3-6 months after the course. The figures indicate that the number of treated children who lose their immunity to diphtheria increases steadily with the passing of time, rising from 4% after 2 yrs. to 18% after 6 yrs. The figures should be compared with the results obtained by the routine testing, three to 6 months after the completion of the course, of all inoculated children[long dash]i.e., 2% primary failures. Certain rare children are difficult to immunize and success is adversely affected by tuberculosis, illness, and poor general condition at the time of treatment. Local reactions are commoner after A.P.T. than after T.A.F., especially in children over 8 yrs. of age and in girls with well developed arms. Cold saline compresses are apparently the best treatment.

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