[Ability of components of pertussis bacteria to induce delayed-type hypersensitivity to DNA]

Bordetella pertussis vaccine contains antigens which are capable to evoke delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions to deoxyribonucleic acid, except specific antipertussis response in mice. This phenomenon signifies the possibility of the autoimmune process. The purified derivatives of B. pertussis maintain specific activity but do not stimulate the expression of DTH to DNA.