Immunogenicity of a combined diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine in adults

Two clinical studies were undertaken to evaluate the immunogenicity of an adult-type dTpa booster vaccine (Boostrix by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals). Blood samples taken prior to vaccination showed that 24.4 and 13.0% of subjects were seronegative for diphtheria and tetanus antibodies, respectively. Moreover, about one-third of the vaccinees had no detectable levels of antibodies to pertussis toxoid (PT) or pertactin (PRN). One month post-vaccination, more than 93% of all individuals, regardless of age or type of vaccine received, had seroprotective antibody levels for diphtheria and tetanus (> or = 0.1IU/ml). In those individuals vaccinated with the adult-type dTpa vaccine (Boostrix), more than 98% were found to be seropositive for antibodies to all three pertussis antigens (PT, filamentous haemogluttin (FHA), and PRN). These data suggest that immunity to diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) in adults wanes and that booster vaccination with an adult-type combined dTpa vaccine would boost the serological response to diphtheria antitoxin, tetanus antitoxin and antibodies to Bordetella pertussis PT, FHA and PRN.