The full form of DPT is Diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus. Diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus are all contagious diseases that can be prevented through the process of vaccination.
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system. The causable bacteria is a gram-positive bacillus that is Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The strains of this bacteria produce toxins. It is spread through respiratory secretions, such as saliva and mucus, from infected individuals. Symptoms of Diphtheria are high fever, difficulty in swallowing of food and a thick, grey coating on the tonsils and pharynx. In severe cases, it can lead to heart failure and nerve damage complications
Pertussis, also known as Hundred-day cough(whooping cough), is a bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system. The causal microorganism of Pertussis is Bordetella pertussis (B. Pertussis). It is a gram-negative bacillus. It is communicable disease spread through respiratory secretions from infected individuals while coughing and sneezing. Pertussis causes severe coughing which generally last for several weeks, and it can be extremely threatening for young children.
Tetanus, Clostridium tetani, gram-positive bacilli secretes neurotoxins, which leads to the development of an infectious disease known as Tetanus that affects the nervous system. The bacterium Clostridium tetani, is found in soil, dust, and animal feces. Tetanus can enter the body through cuts, or puncture wounds and causes muscle spasms, stiffness, and difficulty in swallowing. It is not communicable from person to person. In severe cases, it can lead to respiratory failure and death.
Prevention and Treatment of Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus
Prevention: To prevent these diseases, it is important to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.It is recommended that children receive a series of DPT vaccines according to the recommended schedule to ensure protection against these serious illnesses. It is also recommended that adults receive booster doses of the vaccine to maintain immunity against these diseases. it is important to take precautions to prevent cuts and wounds, such as wearing protective gear when engaging in activities that may cause injury, and properly cleaning and caring for cuts and wounds.
Treatment : For diphtheria, treatment may include antibiotics to kill the bacterium that causes the disease, as well as medications to help manage symptoms, such as pain relievers and fever reducers. For pertussis (whooping cough), treatment may include antibiotics to kill the bacterium that causes the disease such as cough suppressants and bronchodilators to help open the airways. For tetanus, treatment may include antibiotics to kill the bacterium that causes the disease such as sedatives to control muscle spasms and medications to control blood pressure.
About the DTP Vaccine
The DTP vaccine, was first licensed in the United States in 1949 can protect against three infectious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
The DPT vaccine is typically given as a series of three injections, with the first dose given at around 2 months of age, the second dose given at around 4 months of age, and the third dose given at around 6 months of age. Booster doses of the vaccine are recommended for children at ages 15-18 months and 4-6 years. For adults, booster doses of the vaccine are recommended every 10 years to maintain immunity against these diseases.
Due to widespread immunization campaigns, the incidence of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis has declined significantly in many parts of the world. However, these diseases are common, particularly in developing countries which do not have good healthcare and vaccines facilities.
THREE PROPHYLACTICS FOR THE DPT VACCINE
- Single vaccine: Single vaccine formula are used by low frequency of people. Various single vaccines are PTAP, FT, etc.
- Combination vaccine: DPT vaccine is a substantial choice to provide simultaneous protection against three classes of diseases i.e. Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus. In this vaccine, the presence of pertussis elements increases the effectiveness of diphtheria toxoids. The DPT vaccine is classified as :
- DPT vaccine (Adsorbed): Scientifically it is shown that adsorption provides better immunological effectiveness to the vaccine. Adsorption is done on a mineral carrier like that of aluminium hydroxide or aluminium phosphate.
- DPT vaccine (plain)
DPT vaccine has been shown to produce some misfortune to human health. Hence these vaccines have been replaced by another version called DTaP vaccination in the 1990s.
THE MODE OF ACTION – DPT VACCINE
DPT vaccine has the following components:
- Inactivated diphtheria toxoids
- Inactivated tetanus toxoids
- Antigens of pertussis that are acellular.
A toxoid refers to the inactivated form of toxins produced by microorganisms. The suppression of toxin is made either chemically or by giving it a heat treatment. The vaccine when administered to a patient generates an active immune response in the individual’s body. Simply, it leads to the formation of antibodies and antitoxins against inactive toxoids .
