Pertussis of adults and infants

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Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice
08:52

Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice

Published on: February 22, 2019

C H Wirsing von König1, S Halperin, M Riffelmann

  • 1German reference laboratory for pertussis, Krefeld, Germany. wvkoenig@t-online.de

The Lancet. Infectious Diseases
|December 7, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Bordetella pertussis, or whooping cough, circulates widely, posing risks to infants. Adults are key reservoirs, highlighting the need for adult vaccination to protect vulnerable populations.

Area of Science:

  • * Public Health
  • * Infectious Diseases
  • * Immunology

Background:

  • * Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough) persists despite high infant vaccination rates.
  • * Increasing pertussis cases in adolescents and adults are observed globally.
  • * Adults serve as a reservoir for transmitting pertussis to vulnerable infants, where it can be severe.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To highlight the significance of pertussis in adolescents and adults.
  • * To discuss diagnostic methods and the role of adult vaccination.
  • * To inform decisions regarding booster immunisation strategies.

Main Methods:

  • * Review of current literature on pertussis epidemiology and transmission.
  • * Analysis of clinical features in adolescents and adults.
  • * Discussion of laboratory diagnostic techniques (PCR, antibody detection).

Main Results:

  • * Prolonged coughing is the primary symptom in adult pertussis cases.
  • * Laboratory diagnosis is challenging due to lack of standardization.
  • * Acellular pertussis vaccines are safe, immunogenic, and effective for adolescents and adults.

Conclusions:

  • * Recognizing pertussis in adults is crucial for diagnosis.
  • * Adult vaccination, including boosters and healthcare worker immunization, is recommended.
  • * Local data on adult-to-infant pertussis transmission is vital for public health policy decisions.

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