Whole cell pertussis vaccine: reducing toxicity.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Microbial Production

Background:

• Whole cell pertussis vaccines have significantly reduced disease burden globally.
• Adverse effects and safety concerns regarding thiomersal in pertussis vaccines necessitate improved production methods.
• Limited research exists in India on thiomersal reduction and vaccine modification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a modified whole cell pertussis vaccine with reduced thiomersal content and improved quality.
• To mitigate toxicity associated with traditional pertussis vaccine production.
• To enhance the safety profile of pertussis vaccines produced in India.

Main Methods:

• Modified the inactivation and harvesting process for pertussis culture in a fermenter.
• Reduced thiomersal usage to a single application for suspending bacterial mass post-harvesting.
• Prepared three parallel batches of the modified whole cell pertussis vaccine according to WHO guidelines.

Main Results:

• The modified pertussis vaccine exhibited enhanced quality attributes compared to the standard vaccine.
• In vivo testing in mice indicated a superior profile for the modified vaccine.
• The production modification successfully reduced thiomersal quantity while maintaining vaccine efficacy.

Conclusions:

• The modified whole cell pertussis vaccine production method offers a safer and higher-quality alternative.
• Reducing thiomersal and optimizing production procedures can lead to improved vaccine safety.
• This study provides a foundation for developing safer pertussis vaccines in India.