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Protective effect of acellular pertussis vaccines
M Blennow1, S Hedenskog, M Granström
1Department of Pediatrics, Sachs' Childrens' Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Summary
Two acellular pertussis vaccines demonstrated significant protection in infants against pertussis infection. These vaccines, used for primary immunization, showed high efficacy in preventing disease after exposure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Pertussis remains a significant public health concern, particularly for infants.
- Existing whole-cell pertussis vaccines have been associated with adverse effects.
- Development of acellular pertussis vaccines aims for improved safety and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of two acellular pertussis vaccines in infants.
- To assess the protective effect of primary immunization with acellular pertussis vaccines against natural pertussis infection.
Main Methods:
- Two clinical trials were conducted in Sweden involving infants aged 5 1/2 to 10 months.
- Infants received either a mono-component (pertussis toxin toxoid) or a two-component (toxoid and filamentous hemagglutinin) acellular pertussis vaccine.
- Follow-up included monitoring for pertussis exposure in household or daycare settings over 12 to 17 months.
Main Results:
- A total of 37 infants were exposed to pertussis.
- Only one vaccinated infant developed mild, culture-confirmed pertussis.
- This contrasts sharply with the expected 30-33 cases in unvaccinated children, indicating a high attack rate of 80-90% in the unvaccinated population.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary findings suggest that acellular pertussis vaccines provide substantial protection against pertussis when administered as primary immunization in infants.
- These acellular vaccines appear to be effective in preventing clinical pertussis disease in a real-world exposure setting.