67th Myanmar Medical Conference JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Seroprevalence and The Degree of Seroprotection against Diphtheria in Medical Students of University of Medicine (2) Yangon

Win Win Maw1, Mya Mya Lwin1, Thin Thin Mar2, Khine Swe Htike1, Hnin Mon Aung1, Zin Min Thu1, Nay Yi Htoo1, Swe Thet Hnin1, Aung Phyo Wai3

 

Published in Volume 67, No. 2, 2025 April – June issue

https://doi.org/10.64455/xmma0003

Keywords:  Diphtheria, seropositivity, seroprotection, antitoxin, medical students

 

Abstract

Diphtheria is a vaccine preventable childhood disease caused by toxin-producing strains of Corynebacterium species. Most people had been immunized in childhood. However, most had lost vaccine an! bodies over time. A total of 81 serum samples from medical students aged between 18-22 years of University of Medicine (2), collected during 2018 and 2019 were tested for diphtheria an! toxin levels by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method. Among 81 students 93% showed seropositivity, however, number of participants with full protection to diphtheria (serum Ig G level > = 0.1 IU/ml) was low (13, 16%). Insufficient seroprotection (serum Ig G level 0.01 – < 0.1 IU/ml) was seen among 77.8% of students (63). A lack of seroprotection (serum Ig G level < 0.01 IU/ml) was seen in 6.2% of students (5) indicating these students are greatly susceptible to diphtheria. Sero-protective rate is higher in 19 year age group students (11/65, 16.9%) than other age groups. Seropositivity and seroprotection was higher in female than male. Three fourths of the students revealed insufficient seroprotection and needs a booster dose. Booster doses of diphtheria toxoid vaccines should be administered to those participants with insufficient immunity in this study.

 

  1. Department of Microbiology, University of Medicine 2, Yangon, Myanmar
  2. Department of Microbiology, University of Medicine 1, Yangon, Myanmar
  3. Department of Microbiology, Shimane University, Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, 693-8501, Japan