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Immunogenicity of a five-component acellular pertussis vaccine in infants and young children

S A Halperin1, L Barreto, B Friesen

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Insights

This study found that a five-component acellular pertussis vaccine is safe and effective in young children. The inclusion of a 69-kd membrane protein did not increase side effects or impact the immune response to other vaccine components.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Whole-cell pertussis vaccines have been associated with adverse reactions.
  • Acellular pertussis vaccines offer a potentially safer alternative.
  • Evaluating novel components in acellular vaccines is crucial for improving efficacy and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the safety and immunogenicity of an acellular pertussis vaccine with and without a 69-kd membrane protein.
  • To assess the vaccine's performance when combined with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids.
  • To evaluate the vaccine in different age groups of children previously vaccinated with whole-cell pertussis vaccine.

Main Methods:

  • Three groups of children (17-18 months and 4-6 years) received different formulations of the acellular pertussis vaccine, with or without the 69-kd protein, and with or without diphtheria and tetanus toxoids.
  • Vaccine administration included randomized, double-blind, and open-enrollment designs.
  • Reactogenicity was monitored through parental reports and structured interviews; immunogenicity was assessed by measuring antibody responses to vaccine antigens before and after immunization.

Main Results:

  • No severe adverse reactions were reported across all vaccine groups.
  • Systemic and local reactions were observed, but no significant differences were detected between vaccine formulations.
  • The inclusion of the 69-kd membrane protein did not increase reactogenicity or negatively affect the antibody response to other antigens.
  • All vaccine formulations elicited a robust antibody response to all included antigens.

Conclusions:

  • The five-component acellular pertussis vaccine is safe and immunogenic in children aged 17-18 months and 4-6 years.
  • The 69-kd membrane protein is immunogenic and can be safely included in the acellular pertussis vaccine formulation.
  • This vaccine represents a safe and effective option for pertussis immunization.
Abstract

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