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Efficacy of an acellular pertussis vaccine in Japan
Insights
Japanese acellular pertussis vaccines demonstrated 79% efficacy in preventing pertussis. This effectiveness was comparable to traditional whole-cell vaccines, offering a viable alternative for pertussis immunization.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Pertussis (whooping cough) remains a significant public health concern globally.
- The development of acellular pertussis vaccines aimed to reduce adverse reactions associated with whole-cell vaccines.
- Japan has utilized acellular pertussis vaccines since 1981.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the acellular pertussis vaccine used in Japan.
- To compare the efficacy of acellular pertussis vaccines with whole-cell pertussis vaccines.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 283 patients with suspected pertussis was identified in the Tokyo Metropolitan area between 1981 and 1983.
- Secondary attack rates were analyzed in household contacts of confirmed pertussis cases.
- Attack rates were compared between unimmunized children, those fully immunized with whole-cell vaccines, and those immunized with acellular vaccines.
Main Results:
- The pertussis attack rate was 73.1% in unimmunized children.
- Children fully immunized with whole-cell vaccines had an attack rate of 15.0%.
- Children immunized with acellular vaccines showed a comparable attack rate of 15.4%.
Conclusions:
- The Japanese acellular pertussis vaccine demonstrated an efficacy of 79%.
- The efficacy of the acellular pertussis vaccine was statistically similar to that of whole-cell pertussis vaccines.
- Acellular pertussis vaccines represent an effective alternative to whole-cell vaccines for pertussis prevention.
Abstract:
To assess the efficacy of an acellular pertussis vaccine that has been used in Japan since 1981, 283 patients with pertussis were selected among patients with suspected pertussis seen at hospitals located around the Tokyo Metropolitan area from 1981 to 1983. The survey of secondary cases in household contacts showed that attack rates in children 0 to 6 years of age were 73.1% in unimmunized children, 15.0% in those fully immunized by whole-cell vaccines, and 15.4% in those given acellular vaccines. The efficacy of Japanese acellular pertussis vaccines was 79% and was not different from that of whole cell vaccines.