Composition and components of the vaccine
The DTP vaccine is a classic example of a combination vaccine. It contains heterogeneous antigens aimed at building immunity against completely different infectious diseases.
The pertussis component of the vaccine is formed from killed whole microbial cells of the bacterium Bordetella pertussis strictly in phase I. To deprive the bacteria of pathogenicity while preserving their immunogenic properties, inactivation is performed. This process is carried out either by thermal exposure (heating) or using a chemical agent, merthiolate.
In addition to the whole-cell pertussis antigen, the composition includes diphtheria and tetanus toxoids. All these active components are not merely mixed in solution, but securely fixed on a special sorbent, which is aluminum hydroxide.
Rules of administration and possible reactions
To establish reliable protection of the body, strict adherence to the immunization schedule is required. Routine vaccination of children with the DTP vaccine begins upon reaching three months of age.
The course consists of three sequential administrations of the vaccine. It is critically important to maintain the correct time interval between injections: it should be from four to six weeks.
Like any immunobiological product, DTP can cause post-vaccination complications. Physicians are most cautious about potential neurological reactions. In particular, against the background of administering the whole-cell pertussis component, there is a risk of developing encephalopathy.
Role in the prevention of diphtheria and Haemophilus infection
The basis of routine vaccine prophylaxis for diphtheria is the diphtheria toxoid. It is used as part of DTP, as well as in the form of DT (diphtheria-tetanus toxoid) and Td (a variant with a reduced antigen content, including adult-type DT and foreign equivalents).
Modern medicine actively utilizes combination products where other antigens are added to the DTP base. For example, the capsular antigen of Haemophilus influenzae type b, as well as components against inactivated polio and hepatitis B in various combinations.
Mass vaccination with such products abroad has led to a sharp decrease in the incidence of Haemophilus meningitis among children. In the Russian Federation, vaccination against Hib infection was officially included in the National Immunization Schedule starting in 2011 (using foreign products since domestic equivalents did not exist at the time). An important epidemiological nuance: the vaccine reliably protects against the clinical presentation of the infection, but it does not eliminate the carriage of the pathogen itself in the population.
Classification of multicomponent vaccines
Depending on the nature of the constituent antigens, all multicomponent products are divided into two major types:
- Polyvalent vaccines. They contain exclusively homogeneous antigens—these can be different strains or serotypes of the same pathogen or toxin. Classic examples include the oral polio vaccine containing attenuated strains of virus types I, II, and III, as well as polytoxoids (a mixture of toxoids against botulism, tetanus, and gas gangrene).
- Combination vaccines. They contain heterogeneous antigens that protect against completely different infections. A striking example is DTP (whole-cell pertussis + diphtheria and tetanus toxoids), as well as the MMR vaccine targeting measles, rubella, and mumps.
How not to mix up vaccine types? POLYvalent vaccines mean many of the SAME thing (poliovirus of different types). COMBI-ned vaccines mean a combination of DIFFERENT things (DTP: pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus).
Class and exam questions
How is emergency diphtheria prophylaxis carried out in an infection focus?
Emergency prophylaxis is indicated for risk groups—individuals who have had close contact with a patient (household or sexual). According to WHO recommendations, they are prescribed antibiotic prophylaxis even before receiving the results of bacteriological culture. Oral medications (erythromycin, phenoxymethylpenicillin) or an injection of benzathine benzylpenicillin are used. The goal is to prevent the disease and block transmission of the infection by carriers.
What to do if a child with immunodeficiency does not mount an adequate response to the H. influenzae vaccine?
For children with a weak immune response to vaccination, as well as for individuals with confirmed immunodeficiencies, passive immunization tactics are applied. Special donor sera characterized by a high concentration of IgM class antibodies are used as the drug of choice.
What is the difference between DT and Td vaccines?
Both products contain diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and are used for routine prophylaxis. However, the Td vaccine differs from standard DT by a reduced antigen content, allowing it to be used for booster vaccination and gentler immunization.
What else to study on this topic
- Features of bacterial inactivation by merthiolate and heating
- Comparative characteristics of polyvalent vaccines and combination products
- Epidemiological efficacy of vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type b
- Tactics of emergency antibiotic prophylaxis for diphtheria according to WHO recommendations
- Passive immunization with high-titer IgM donor sera
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