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Bordetella pertussis infection in a highly vaccinated population in Saudi Arabia, 1996-2004

Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq1, Abbas AbuKhamsin

  • 1Division of Internal Medicine Specialty Services, Dhahran Health Center, Saudi Aramco Medical Services Organization, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. jaffar.tawfiq@aramco.com <jaffar.tawfiq@aramco.com>

The Journal of Infection
|June 15, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study on Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough) in Saudi Arabia found most cases were in infants under six months. Older adults were also significantly affected, highlighting vulnerabilities in a highly vaccinated population.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, remains a significant public health concern globally.
  • Vaccination strategies aim to control pertussis transmission, but breakthrough infections can occur.
  • Understanding the epidemiology of pertussis in specific regions is crucial for targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the clinical features and demographic patterns of Bordetella pertussis infections.
  • To analyze presentation and outcomes of pertussis cases within the Saudi Aramco Medical Services Organization (SAMSO) in Saudi Arabia.
  • To identify specific age groups most affected by pertussis in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis was conducted on confirmed Bordetella pertussis cases.
  • Data were collected from January 1996 to December 2004.
  • Patient demographics, vaccination status, and clinical outcomes were reviewed.

Main Results:

  • 156 confirmed cases of Bordetella pertussis were identified.
  • The majority of cases (52%) were infants under six months of age.
  • Hospitalization was required for 42% of patients, with a median stay of five days. Vaccination status varied, with a notable proportion of unvaccinated infants.

Conclusions:

  • Infants under six months and older adults represent the most affected groups for whooping cough in this Saudi Arabian cohort.
  • The findings underscore the importance of continued surveillance and vaccination efforts, particularly for vulnerable age groups.
  • Pertussis poses a risk even in populations with high vaccination coverage.

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