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Pertussis vaccines: acellular versus whole-cell
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Prince Henry Hospital, Sydney, NSW.
The Medical Journal of Australia
|May 6, 1996
Summary
Acellular pertussis vaccines, using purified Bordetella pertussis antigens, show fewer reactions and comparable or better efficacy than whole-cell vaccines. Key antigens for protection include pertussis toxoid, filamentous haemagglutinin, and pertactin.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Whole-cell pertussis vaccines are associated with a high rate of adverse reactions.
- The development of acellular pertussis vaccines aims to improve safety and maintain efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of acellular pertussis vaccines.
- To identify essential antigens for effective pertussis immunization.
Main Methods:
- Extensive field testing of acellular pertussis vaccines containing purified Bordetella pertussis antigens.
- Comparison of reaction rates and efficacy against whole-cell vaccines.
Main Results:
- Acellular vaccines demonstrate a significantly lower rate of reactions compared to whole-cell vaccines.
- The efficacy of acellular vaccines is comparable or superior to whole-cell vaccines.
- Pertussis toxoid, filamentous haemagglutinin, and pertactin are identified as crucial antigens for protection.
Conclusions:
- Acellular pertussis vaccines offer an improved safety profile with maintained or enhanced efficacy.
- Specific purified antigens are key components for effective acellular pertussis vaccines.
- Licensure of acellular pertussis vaccines for primary and booster vaccination in Australia is anticipated.