Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice
Published on: February 22, 2019
How increased pertussis vaccination coverage is changing the epidemiology of pertussis in Italy
M Cristina Rota1, Fortunato D'Ancona, Marco Massari
1Centro Nazionale di Epidemiologia, Sorveglianza e Promozione della Salute, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy. rota@iss.it
Abstract:
The epidemiology of pertussis in Italy is described by using data from the statutory notification system and from seroepidemiology studies. Starting from the 1990s, the incidence of pertussis in Italy has shown a sharp decline and is now at the lowest level ever reached. During this time period vaccination coverage has increased from 88% in 1998 to 95% in 2003. In 1996-97, the prevalence of subjects with levels of IgG antibodies against PT greater than 2EU/ml was 77.6%. The increase in vaccination coverage will probably change the pattern of disease transmission and increase the number of susceptible adults, unless administration of booster doses to adolescents and adults is considered.
Related Concept Videos
Poliomyelitis
Vaccinations
Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence
Smallpox
Vaccines
Diphtheria