Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice
Published on: February 22, 2019
Bordetella pertussis
Delma J Nieves1, Ulrich Heininger2
1Pediatric Infectious Diseases, CHOC Children's, Orange, CA 92868.
Abstract:
Pertussis is a highly infectious vaccine-preventable cough illness that continues to be a significant source of morbidity and mortality around the world. The majority of human illness is caused by Bordetella pertussis, and some is caused by Bordetella parapertussis. Bordetella is a Gram-negative, pleomorphic, aerobic coccobacillus. In the past several years, even countries with high immunization rates in early childhood have experienced rises in pertussis cases. Reasons for the resurgence of reported pertussis may include molecular changes in the organism and increased awareness and diagnostic capabilities, as well as lessened vaccine efficacy and waning immunity. The most morbidity and mortality with pertussis infection is seen in infants too young to benefit from immunization. Severe infection requiring hospitalization, including in an intensive care setting, is mostly seen in those under 3 months of age. As a result, research and public health actions have been aimed at better understanding and reducing the spread of Bordetella pertussis. Studies comparing the cost benefit of cocooning strategies versus immunization of pregnant women have been favorable towards immunizing pregnant women. This strategy is expected to prevent a larger number of pertussis cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in infants <1 year old while also being cost-effective. Studies have demonstrated that the source of infection in infants usually is a family member. Efforts to immunize children and adults, in particular pregnant women, need to remain strong.
Insights
Protecting infants from pertussis (whooping cough) is crucial. Immunizing pregnant women is a cost-effective strategy to prevent infant illness and death from this highly infectious disease.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Pertussis (whooping cough) remains a significant global health concern, causing substantial morbidity and mortality.
- Resurgence observed even in highly immunized populations, attributed to factors like bacterial evolution, waning immunity, and improved diagnostics.
- Infants under three months are most vulnerable, experiencing severe illness and high mortality rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate strategies for reducing pertussis spread and protecting vulnerable infants.
- To compare the cost-effectiveness of cocooning versus maternal immunization for infant protection.
- To emphasize the importance of ongoing immunization efforts in children and adults.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing studies comparing different pertussis prevention strategies.
- Analysis of cost-benefit data for cocooning (immunizing close contacts) versus vaccinating pregnant women.
- Examination of transmission routes, particularly identifying family members as common sources of infant infection.
Main Results:
- Maternal immunization during pregnancy demonstrates favorable cost-benefit outcomes compared to cocooning.
- This strategy is projected to significantly reduce pertussis cases, hospitalizations, and fatalities in infants under one year old.
- Family members are frequently the source of pertussis infection in infants.
Conclusions:
- Immunizing pregnant women is a highly effective and cost-efficient public health intervention against pertussis in infants.
- Sustained efforts to immunize pregnant women, children, and adults are essential for controlling pertussis.
- Protecting the youngest and most vulnerable populations requires robust and targeted vaccination programs.
More Related Videos
11:32Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
08:03Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein MOG35-55 Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis EAE in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: April 15, 2014
Related Concept Videos
01:28Diphtheria
01:28Regulation of Bacterial Virulence
01:14Atypical Pneumonia
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...