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Comparison of acellular and whole-cell pertussis-component DTP vaccines. A multicenter double-blind study in 4- to

C M Morgan1, D A Blumberg, J D Cherry

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, UCLA School of Medicine 90024-1752.

Insights

The acellular pertussis-component combined diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, and pertussis (APDT) vaccine showed reduced local reactions compared to the whole-cell pertussis-component combined diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine. Both vaccines were immunogenic, with APDT demonstrating a favorable safety and immune response profile in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Vaccinology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Disease Prevention

Background:

  • The whole-cell pertussis-component combined diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine has been a standard immunization.
  • Concerns regarding reactogenicity of whole-cell pertussis vaccines have prompted the development of acellular alternatives.
  • Evaluating acellular pertussis vaccines for booster immunizations is crucial for pediatric public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of an acellular pertussis-component combined diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, and pertussis (APDT) vaccine against a licensed whole-cell pertussis-component combined diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine.
  • To assess the safety and immune response of APDT as a fifth immunization in children aged 4-6 years.
  • To determine if APDT offers an improved reactogenicity profile compared to DTP.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study involving eighty-two children aged 4-6 years receiving their fifth immunization.
  • Administration of either APDT or licensed DTP vaccine.
  • Assessment of local reactions (pain, warmth) and systemic responses, including antibody titers to pertussis antigens and toxoids, and leukocyte/neutrophil counts post-immunization.

Main Results:

  • Both APDT and DTP vaccines elicited brisk antibody responses to pertussis antigens and diphtheria/tetanus toxoids.
  • APDT vaccine recipients experienced significantly less pain and warmth at the injection site compared to DTP recipients.
  • APDT showed a more pronounced antibody response to filamentous hemagglutinin and a lesser response to agglutinogens than the whole-cell vaccine.

Conclusions:

  • The acellular pertussis-component combined diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, and pertussis (APDT) vaccine is immunogenic when administered as a booster immunization.
  • APDT demonstrates reduced reactogenicity, specifically local reactions, compared to the whole-cell pertussis-component combined diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine.
  • APDT represents a potentially safer and effective alternative for pertussis booster immunization in young children.

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