Three Preventable Infections
The diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus vaccine (known generally as DPT) in its various forms is a combination of three vaccines which protect against the following three, serious, infectious diseases, all caused by toxin (poison) producing bacteria:
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which produces a toxin that can affect the heart, kidneys and nervous system. It starts as a severe sore throat and fever and is characterized by a thick coating on the back of the throat which makes it difficult to breathe and swallow. Diphtheria is extremely contagious and is transmitted by sneezing or coughing.
Tetanus
Tetanus is caused by the bacterium, Clostridium tetani, which is commonly found in the soil. It is also known as lockjaw, because it causes painful muscle spasms particularly noticeable in the facial muscles. Tetanus cannot be transmitted from one person to another. Many other injuries besides stepping on the proverbial ‘rusty nail’ can cause tetanus, including burn injuries. Because this bacterium requires an environment without oxygen to reproduce, any deep penetrating wound, such as might be caused by a rusty nail, could potentially cause tetanus.
Pertussis
The toxin produced by the bacteria, Bordetella pertussis, primarily causes damage to the lungs, along with painful spasms of coughing. Initial symptoms start as a common cold and the infection can last up to six weeks. It is also known as whooping cough, because of the noise made when a patient tries to take a deep breath. It is particularly dangerous in infants because the airway or windpipe is smaller than in older children and adults. Pertussis is also extremely contagious and is transmitted by sneezing or coughing.
Recommended Immunization Schedule
The DTaP vaccine is a safer version of the older vaccine called DPT. Unless there is a reason a child should not receive this vaccine, such as an allergic reaction, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that DTaP immunizations be given as a series of five injections at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months and 4 to 6 years. After the initial series of immunizations, a modified vaccine called Tdap is be given as a booster shot at ages 11 to 12, or to older teens and adults who have not yet received a booster with pertussis coverage. Thereafter, a Td booster to prevent tetanus and diphtheria is recommended every 10 years. It is important to discuss any questions you have about the immunizations for diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus with your private physician. For further information about immunizations, follow the link at the top left side of this page (Vaccines).