Pertussis vaccines: acellular versus whole-cell

Acellular pertussis vaccines containing purified Bordetella pertussis antigens have now been extensively field tested. They produce a significantly lower rate of reactions than whole-cell vaccines and their efficacy is either comparable or superior. At least three antigens appear necessary for good protection: pertussis toxoid, filamentous haemagglutinin and pertactin (an outer-membrane protein); fimbrial agglutinogens are probably not needed. It is hoped that a cellular pertussis vaccine will soon be licensed in Australia for both primary and booster vaccination.