The immune status against tetanus and diphtheria in healthcare workers in Catalonia

The objective was to investigate the immune status against tetanus and diphtheria of healthcare workers in Catalonia. A cross-sectional multicentre study was conducted in seven health centres. Blood samples were obtained, and demographic and clinical variables collected. 509 health workers were included. The prevalence of protective antibodies against tetanus was 94.7% (95% CI: 92.3-96.4) overall and 85.1% (95% CI: 74.5-92.0) in workers aged >= 55 years. The prevalence of protective antibodies against diphtheria was 68.6% (95% CI: 64.3-72.5%) overall and 29.7% (95% Cl: 19.9-41.6) in workers aged >= 55 years. Protection against tetanus in healthcare workers is high, but should be improved in workers aged >= 55 years. Protection against diphtheria has improved in healthcare workers over the past decade (68.6% vs 46.5%) but should be improved in all ages, especially in workers aged >= 55 years. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.