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  • Article
    Investigation of Tetanus Seropositivity Levels in Adult Patients with Rabies Risk Exposure Admitted To a Hospital in Ankara
    (J Infection Developing Countries, 2025) Gurkaynak, Pinar; Demircan, Serife A.; Tulek, Necla; Kinikli, Sami; Erdinc, Fatma S.; Tuncer, Gunay
    Introduction: This study aimed to assess tetanus seropositivity levels among adult patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital following rabies risk exposure, and to explore potential factors influencing their immunological status. Methodology: This cross-sectional descriptive epidemiological study included 182 adult individuals (68 females and 114 males) who presented to the hospital following rabies risk exposure. The demographic data was collected during a face-to-face interview, and the tetanus antibody concentrations were assessed using a micro-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Serum antibody levels of >= 0.1 IU/mL were defined as "seropositive", while values below this threshold were considered "seronegative". Results: Seropositivity was identified in 81.9% of the patients. There was a significant decline in antibody levels with age (p < 0.001). The Spearman correlation analysis showed a moderately significant negative correlation between age and antibody titers (r = - 0.404, p < 0.001). In addition, there were significantly higher tetanus antibody levels in patients from urban areas, those vaccinated during pregnancy, and those vaccinated within the past 10 years (p = 0.025, 0.036, and 0.013, respectively). Conclusions: Overall, the results highlight a reduction in tetanus antibody levels with age, emphasizing the importance of receiving a booster dose every 10 years. In addition, rabies risk exposure, particularly in older adults, presents a valuable opportunity to administer tetanus vaccination.
  • Article
    Evaluation of Anti-Tetanus IgG Antibody Levels and Influencing Factors in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
    (Frontiers Media Sa, 2025) Ozsoy, Metin; Ozturk, Hakki; Tuna, Aysegul; Varlibas, Artuner; Cesur, Salih; Aksoy, Altan; Demir, Mehmet Emin
    Aim: This study aimed to assess anti-tetanus IgG antibody levels and identify determinants of inadequate tetanus immunity among maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, anti-tetanus IgG levels were measured by quantitative ELISA in 162 adult HD patients from two dialysis centers in Ankara, Turkey. Protective immunity was evaluated using both international (>= 0.1 IU/mL) and robust (>= 0.5 IU/mL) cut-offs. Demographic and clinical factors associated with immunity were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Results: Only 16.7% of HD patients achieved robust protection (>= 0.5 IU/mL), whereas 49.8% had minimal protection (>= 0.1 IU/mL). Protective immunity was independently associated with younger age (OR 1.07 per year; p = 0.004), shorter dialysis duration (OR 1.07; p = 0.030), male sex (female OR 2.92; p = 0.048), and recent booster vaccination within 10 years (OR 0.11; p < 0.001). Diabetes mellitus was not an independent factor. Conclusion: Most HD patients lacked durable tetanus immunity, particularly older females on long-term dialysis. The findings highlight the need for regular antibody monitoring, early revaccination, and structured booster programs to maintain adequate protection in this high-risk population.