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[Humoral immunity against pertussis and its prevalence in population]

E M Zaĭtsev, I K Mazurova, L I Krasnoproshina

    Zhurnal Mikrobiologii, Epidemiologii I Immunobiologii
    |April 3, 2009
    PubMed

    Insights

    Immunity against pertussis (whooping cough) wanes with age, with low IgG antibody levels found in older children, adolescents, and adults. This suggests a high rate of undetected pertussis infections in these populations.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Pertussis remains a significant public health concern globally.
    • Understanding immunity levels across different age groups is crucial for effective vaccination strategies.
    • Antibody levels, specifically IgG and IgA, are key indicators of immune response to Bordetella pertussis.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To assess and compare IgG and IgA antibody levels against Bordetella pertussis antigens in various age groups.
    • To identify age-related trends in pertussis immunity.
    • To estimate the prevalence of undetected pertussis infections.

    Main Methods:

    • Quantification of IgG and IgA antibodies to Bordetella pertussis antigens.
    • Analysis of antibody levels in 503 children (1-14 years), 75 adolescents (15-17 years), and 504 adults (18-54 years).
    • Statistical comparison of antibody levels across different age cohorts.

    Main Results:

    • Highest IgG levels were observed in children under 5 years old.
    • A progressive decrease in IgG levels was noted with increasing age, most pronounced in 9-11 year-olds.
    • Increased IgA detection rates correlated with decreased IgG levels, rising from 2-5% in young children to 12-16% in older individuals.

    Conclusions:

    • Low levels of immunity against pertussis were found in older children, adolescents, and adults.
    • The data suggest a high incidence of undetected pertussis infections in these age groups.
    • Findings highlight the need for strategies to bolster and maintain pertussis immunity throughout life.

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