Tetanus antibody levels in migrants in transit through São Paulo, Brazil

Authors

  • Maria Aparecida Basile Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Departamento de Medicina Tropical e Dermatologia
  • Hisako Gondo Higashi Instituto Butantan de São Paulo
  • Euclides Ayres de Castilho Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Departamento de Medicina Preventiva
  • João Alves Meira Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Departamento de Medicina Preventiva
  • Edison Paulo Tavares de Oliveira Instituto Butantan de São Paulo
  • Guilherme Rodrigues da Silva Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Departamento de Medicina Preventiva

Abstract

During the period between December 1970/ December 1971, a group consisting of 3,464 migrants, in transit, through São Paulo (Brazil) was placed under observation in order to classify them in relation to the demographic and social conditions and, more specifically, to determine tetanus antibody levels in sera by Passive Haemagglutination Technique. In selected sera, with different tetanus antibody levels by Passive Haemagglutination Technique, tetanus antibody level were correlated with "in vivo" Neutralization Method. The correlation between "in vitro" and "in vivo" results, indicated of Passive Haemagglutination Technique showed a low predictive values (47%), but the simplicity of the technique, the high sensitivity and the low cust make it suitable for large scale soroepidemiological surveys. The data collected of negative tetanus antibody levels in 55% of the studied group, associated a low protective tetanus antitoxin in 1% total population and 0.3% of 15-44 years women group, explain in this low social class group our high tetanus morbidity and mortality.

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Published

1985-10-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Basile, M. A., Higashi, H. G., Castilho, E. A. de, Meira, J. A., Oliveira, E. P. T. de, & Silva, G. R. da. (1985). Tetanus antibody levels in migrants in transit through São Paulo, Brazil . Revista Do Instituto De Medicina Tropical De São Paulo, 27(5), 249-257. https://revistas.usp.br/rimtsp/article/view/87416