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Pertussis immunization with acellular vaccines in Ghanaian children

H Hori1, A Afari, B D Akanmori

  • 1Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon.

Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
|June 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Antibody levels to pertussis antigens waned one year after primary immunization. A booster dose significantly increased antibody titres, highlighting its importance for sustained protection against pertussis.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Pertussis remains a significant public health concern globally.
  • Understanding antibody persistence after infant immunization is crucial for vaccine efficacy.
  • Evaluating different vaccine types and booster effects informs public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess antibody persistence to pertussis antigens (pertussis toxin and filamentous haemagglutinin) in Ghanaian children.
  • To compare antibody responses following immunization with acellular pertussis vaccines versus whole-cell pertussis vaccines.
  • To evaluate the impact of a booster dose on antibody levels and seropositivity.

Main Methods:

  • Antibody titres to pertussis toxin (PT) and filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA) were measured.
  • Measurements were taken 1 month and 1 year post-primary immunization, and 1 month post-booster dose.
  • Geometric mean titres (GMTs) and seropositivity rates were calculated for three vaccine groups.

Main Results:

  • While acellular vaccines initially showed higher FHA titres, 1-year GMTs for FHA and PT did not differ significantly between acellular and whole-cell vaccine groups.
  • Seropositivity rates for PT and FHA in acellular vaccinees decreased from over 93.3% at 1 month to 50.0-77.8% at 1 year.
  • The booster dose significantly increased GMTs for PT and FHA in acellular vaccinees compared to whole-cell vaccinees.

Conclusions:

  • Acellular pertussis vaccines did not elicit higher antibody levels than whole-cell vaccines 1 year after primary immunization.
  • A booster dose is essential for maintaining adequate seropositivity against pertussis antigens.
  • Findings underscore the importance of booster vaccinations for sustained pertussis immunity.

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