Dynamic surveillance of anti-tetanus antibody among child-bearing age women in Dezhou, 1988-1999

In order to detect the immune state and dynamics of serum anti-tetanus antibody among child-bearing age women in Dezhou city, serum antibody was measured in 735 women in age of 18-35 for six times from 1988 to 1999. The average concentration and serum positive rate of anti-tetanus antibody were 0.0302IU/ml, and 44.25%, respectively, in 1988-1991. In 1993, both antibody concentration and serum positive rate were increased significantly as compared with the last several years. Since 1993, the antibody concentration and the serum positive rate approached to a steady period. The average concentration and serum positive rate were 0.0591IU/ml,and 73.13%,respectively,during 1993-1999. Both antibody caoncentration and serum positive rate were higher in urban women than those in rural women. No significant difference was found between each age groups. When compared with men in the same age group,no sinificant difference was found as well. In order to eradicate neonatal tetanus,improving teta-nus immunization in child - bearing age women was suggested.