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Population-Based Pertussis Incidence and Risk Factors in Infants Less Than 6 Months in Nepal

Michelle M Hughes1, Janet A Englund2, Jane Kuypers3

  • 1Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Global Disease Epidemiology and Control, Baltimore, Maryland.

Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
|January 12, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Pertussis poses a significant risk to infants globally. This study in Nepal found a low incidence of pertussis (whooping cough) in infants under six months, suggesting the national immunization program may be effective.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Pertussis (whooping cough) is a major global cause of childhood mortality, particularly affecting infants.
  • Despite high vaccination rates, pertussis remains a growing concern in developed nations.
  • Data on pertussis burden in infants is scarce, especially in low-income countries, hindering effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the incidence of pertussis in infants younger than six months in Nepal.
  • To assess the disease burden of pertussis in a vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study was conducted within a larger trial of maternal influenza vaccination.
  • Infants were monitored weekly from birth to six months for respiratory illnesses.
  • Nasal swabs were collected and tested for pertussis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) if symptoms occurred.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of PCR-confirmed pertussis (Bordetella pertussis) was 13.3 cases per 1000 infant-years.
  • This estimate was based on a cohort of 3483 infants with at least one day of follow-up.
  • The study identified a low risk of pertussis among infants in rural Nepal.

Conclusions:

  • Active surveillance revealed a low incidence of pertussis in infants in rural Nepal.
  • Nepal's existing immunization program, including whole-cell pertussis vaccines, appears effective in controlling infant pertussis.
  • Findings support the potential effectiveness of current vaccination strategies in this population.
Abstract

Keywords:
Nepalepidemiologyincidenceinfantspertussis.

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