Diphtheria

Throughout history, Diphtheria has been one of most feared childhood diseases, characterized by devastating outbreaks. The most important virulence factor of C. diphtheriae is the exotoxin. In addition to this exotoxin, cell-wall components such as the O- and K-antigens are important in the pathogenesis of the disease. Humans are the only natural host for C. diphtheriae. Transmission occurs through droplets and close physical contact. Although most infections are asymptomatic or run a relatively mild clinical course, many patients succumb to airway obstruction caused by laryngeal diphtheria or toxic myocarditis.

Diphtheria Vaccines

Diphtheria vaccines are based on diphtheria toxoid, a modified bacterial toxin that induces protective antitoxin antibodies of the IgG type. Toxin-producing C. diphtheriae is grown in liquid media and the toxin converted to the inactive toxoid by treatment with formalin. This toxoid is adsorbed to aluminium salt as an adjuvant and thiomersal added as a preservative for multi-dose vials. Diphtheria toxoid combined with tetanus and pertussis vaccines (DTP) has been part of the WHO Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) since its inception in 1974. A reduced dose formulation is generally administered to individuals over 7 years of age. Diphtheria toxoid is one of the safest vaccines available. Individuals with an anti-diphtheria toxin antibody level of more than 0.1 IU/mL are considered fully protected from disease. DTP-containing multi-antigen vaccines (with Hep B, Hib, or IPV) are increasingly being used in national immunization campaigns.

Diphtheria Vaccine Standardization

Written Standards

WHO recommendations for the production and quality control of diphtheria vaccines were first formulated in 1964 and further revised and incorporated into recommendations for DTP in 1978. The 1989 revision updated the recommendations in important areas regarding toxin purification and potency determination. The 2003 amendment updated the recommendations on potency testing to reduce the number of animals needed for batch (lot) release purposes and amended the section on International Reference Materials.

• Recommendations to assure the quality, safety and efficacy of diphtheria vaccines (adsorbed), Technical Report Series 980, 2012. Replacement of Annex 2 of WHO TRS No. 800, and Annex 5 of WHO TRS No. 927
• Recommendations to assure the quality, safety and efficacy of DT-based combined vaccines, WHO Technical Report Series 980, Annex 6. Replacement of Annex 2 of WHO Technical Report Series, No. 800

WHO reference materials for Diphtheria vaccines are available

International Reference Preparations Catalogue

Diphtheria (D) vaccines in combination with tetanus (T) or tetanus and pertussis (wP) vaccines are prequalified for procurement by UN organizations. DTwP vaccines in combination with Hib and/or hepatitis B are also prequalified for procurement by UN organizations.

List of Prequalified Vaccines

Find out more about the new listing and how to search and display the list on the link below.

WHO position paper on diphtheria vaccination

Diphtheria Q&A

The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety - Committee reports on Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccines

Immunization schedules

Immunological basis for immunization: Diphtheria (Update 2009)

Immunization surveillance, assessment and monitoring