On diphtheria

On diphtheria

Referring to the article New diphtheria strain alters vaccine
policy published in The Jakarta Post on Aug. 18, 2001, I would
like to make some clarifications to avoid any misunderstanding
among our readers.

Diphtheria is an acute, toxin-mediated disease caused by
Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The most common sites of infection
are the tonsils and the pharynx, and a higher percentage of
carriers are found among children below 15 years of age. The most
frequent complications of diphtheria are myocarditis, which can
lead to heart failure, and pneumonia, which can lead to
respiratory failure.

Diphtheria may not confer immunity. As a preventive measure,
diphtheria toxoid is available and DTP is the vaccine of choice
for children 6 weeks through 6 years of age. The national
immunization program provides a primary series of three properly
spaced DPT shots during infancy, with one booster dose of DT for
those entering primary school. Both vaccines are produced locally
at PT Bio Farma Bandung.

Children 7 years of age or older should receive the adult
formulation (adult Td), even if they have not completed a series
of DTP or DT. DTP and DT contain three to four times as much
diphtheria toxoid as Td. The national program does not provide
adult Td vaccine. During the diphtheria outbreak in Cianjur a few
months ago, the age of cases and susceptible persons ranged from
five to 21 years of age. The program provides DT vaccine for
children below 7 years of age, and UNICEF supports the imported
Td vaccine for older age groups.

I hope this statement will clarify that there is no new
diphtheria strain found as of yet.

BUDHI YAHMONO

Secretariat-General

Ministry of Health

Jakarta