[Pertussis seroprevalence and vaccination status in three selected provinces of Turkey]

The aim of this community-based seroepidemiological survey was to assess the immune status against pertussis among the healthy population in three selected provinces with different geographical and socioeconomical status (Antalya, Diyarbakir and Samsun, located at Mediterrenean, Southeast Anatolia and Black Sea regions of Turkey, respectively) in relation with DwPT (whole cell pertussis vaccine combined with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids) vaccination status. A total of randomly selected 2085 subjects ages between 6 months to > 50 years were included to the study. Serum samples have been screened for the presence of pertussis antibodies by an in house ELISA method with the use of pertussis toxin (PT) and filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) antigens. The levels of > or = 10 EU/mL was accepted as positive for anti-PT and anti-FHA. Vaccination rate with 3-4 doses among children under 15 years old was significantly lower in Diyarbakir compared to the other two provinces (p< 0.05). The antibody positivity was increased with age up to the 10-14 year group and was maintained among older groups. There was no statistically significant relationship between the vaccination rate and antibody prevalence (p> 0.05). Adult females showed a significantly higher antibody-positivity rate for anti-PT than the males (p< 0.05). Our study pointed out a high prevalence of pertussis infection in those selected provinces, suggesting that the adults play a role as potential reservoirs for B. pertussis. It can be concluded that adult immunization, especially of those who are likely to have close contact with infants, should be considered.