DTP vaccine

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The DTP vaccine , also called DTaP because of the acellular pertussis component , is a vaccine that is used by injection for basic immunization and booster vaccination against three different infectious diseases: diphtheria , tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis). Combination vaccines are recommended because they simplify handling, reduce the number of injections and vaccination appointments, and lower costs. As with all vaccines , long-term effects and effectiveness are the subject of ongoing research.

Epidemiology

The infectious diseases diphtheria , tetanus and whooping cough are dangerous diseases that claimed many victims before the widespread use of vaccines.

diphtheria

Diphtheria is an infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae . Dreaded are life-threatening complications from bacterial toxins , which can lead to inflammation of the heart muscle and nerves , among other things . The disease, which used to be common, has decreased considerably in the western industrialized countries. Due to the high vaccination rates in childhood since 1984, only individual cases are registered in Germany. In large parts of the Third World, however, diphtheria is still endemic, for example in Asia , Africa and South America . The fact that diphtheria can quickly spread again if the vaccination rate drops was observed in the former Soviet Union , where 48,000 cases occurred after its collapse in 1994.

tetanus

Another disease that is triggered by bacterial toxin is tetanus, also known as tetanus. The resistant spores of the bacterium Clostridium tetani can be found everywhere, including road dust and garden soil. Infection occurs when these spores enter wounds. The bacterium multiplies and secretes toxins: The toxin tetanospasmin damages the muscle-controlling nerve cells and thereby causes the typical paralysis and muscle cramps , which can also lead to death. Tetanus is common around the world, with great regional differences. Especially in countries with poor medical care, many people fall ill and still die from this disease. In Asia and Africa the incidence rate is 10–50 diseases per 100,000 people. The WHO estimates that over a million people die of tetanus worldwide each year.

whooping cough

Pertussis or whooping cough is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis with atypical coughing attacks. a. can be life-threatening in infants. Whooping cough is also threatening because of serious complications such as pneumonia , otitis media , apneas and encephalitis . Around 20 to 40 million people worldwide develop whooping cough; Deaths - mostly in infants under 6 months old - are recorded around 200,000 to 300,000 annually. The incidence rate is increasing again in Germany due to the general vaccination fatigue .

Application and effects of the DTP vaccine

The DTP vaccine is injected intramuscularly by trained personnel and usually causes an unnoticed, non-transferable stimulation of the immune system against the aforementioned infectious diseases. From the second month of life, three doses are given for the basic immunization, with an interval of at least one month. In 90–100% of those vaccinated, the human immune system (depending on the component) forms antibodies against the relevant diseases. However, since the antibody titer decreases over the years, it is recommended to refresh the vaccination every 10 years.

Side effects

As with all vaccinations, local vaccination reactions such as redness, swelling and pain at the injection site can occur as a side effect and are considered harmless. In rare cases, permanent hardening - or a hematoma or abscess - can develop at the application site, especially if the vaccine has been administered into the upper layers of the subcutis .

Since the DTP vaccination is a dead vaccine, the corresponding infectious diseases cannot be triggered by the vaccination itself. Nevertheless, the immune system is activated here, so that general reactions such as muscle weakness , joint pain , vomiting , diarrhea , fever and also body aches can occur. These effects are usually mild and short-term in nature; allergic reactions are rare. Today's DTP vaccines have been greatly improved recently and, with their acellular pertussis component, are generally much better tolerated both locally and systemically than earlier DTP preparations with whole-germ pertussis antigen (complete whooping cough pathogen). Although there are known possible side effects, the prevailing opinion of experts is that vaccination is far preferable to a “natural” infection.

Since January 1, 2001, doctors in Germany have been subject to the " obligation to report suspected health damage beyond the usual extent of a vaccination reaction " anchored in the Infection Protection Act (IfSG) . Any suspicion is reported, regardless of whether there is a connection between the vaccination and the presumed reaction.

Possible heterologous effects in DTP vaccines, especially in developing countries , are being investigated.

Trade names

The following triple vaccinations are available

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Reporting obligation Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI)
  2. ↑ ABDA database (as of August 26, 2008) of DIMDI
  3. ↑ Austria Codex (as of August 26, 2008)