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Evidence of Bordetella pertussis infection in vaccinated 1-year-old Danish children

Marie-Louise von Linstow1, Peter Lotko Pontoppidan, Carl-Heinz Wirsing von König

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.

European Journal of Pediatrics
|April 8, 2010
PubMed

Insights

A study found that a single-component pertussis toxin (PT) vaccine may have limited efficacy in preventing Bordetella pertussis infections in Danish infants. Researchers suggest a multi-component vaccine may be more effective.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Pertussis remains a significant public health concern globally.
  • Current monocomponent pertussis toxin (PT) toxoid vaccines are used in some regions.
  • Assessing vaccine efficacy against Bordetella pertussis infection is crucial for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of a monocomponent PT toxoid vaccine in Danish infants.
  • To estimate the rate of Bordetella pertussis infection in vaccinated infants.
  • To inform future vaccination strategies and vaccine development.

Main Methods:

  • Sera from 203 1-year-old children vaccinated with a monocomponent PT toxoid vaccine were analyzed for IgA and IgG antibodies to pertussis toxin (PT) and filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA).
  • Antibody levels were correlated with clinical data, including coughing episodes.
  • Infection rates were estimated based on IgA antibody responses, considering the known limitations of this immune marker.

Main Results:

  • Ten children (5%) showed IgA antibodies to PT, suggesting recent infection, with seven having received three vaccine doses.
  • No significant difference in coughing episode duration was observed between PT IgA responders and non-responders.
  • The estimated actual Bordetella pertussis infection rate in the cohort was approximately 10%, indicating potential vaccine limitations.

Conclusions:

  • The monocomponent PT toxoid vaccine used in Denmark may exhibit limited efficacy in preventing Bordetella pertussis infection in infants.
  • A high infection rate suggests a need for further investigation into vaccine effectiveness.
  • A prospective study comparing multi-component vaccines with the current monocomponent vaccine is recommended.

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