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Serological responses to infection with B. pertussis
A Giammanco1, S Taormina, M Genovese
1Università degli Studi di Palermo-Dipartimento di Igiene e Microbiologia, Italy.
Developments in Biological Standardization
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Acellular pertussis vaccines, especially DTaP, induced higher IgG antibody responses to pertussis toxin (PT) and filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA). These responses improved serological diagnostic sensitivity for pertussis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pertussis (whooping cough) remains a significant public health concern, necessitating effective vaccination strategies.
- Serological assays play a crucial role in diagnosing pertussis, especially in differentiating vaccine-induced immunity from natural infection.
- Evaluating the immunogenicity of different pertussis vaccine formulations is essential for optimizing disease prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the serological responses induced by two acellular pertussis vaccines and one whole-cell pertussis vaccine in a controlled efficacy trial.
- To assess the diagnostic sensitivity of ELISA-based serological assays targeting pertussis toxin (PT) and filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) based on vaccine type.
- To investigate the patterns of IgG and IgA antibody production in response to different pertussis vaccines.
Main Methods:
- Serological assays (ELISA) were performed on serum samples from children participating in an Italian controlled efficacy trial.
- Samples were analyzed from 312 episodes of suspected pertussis confirmed by B. pertussis isolation and 2862 episodes without evidence of infection.
- Antibody titers (IgG and IgA) against pertussis toxin (PT) and filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) were measured in acute and convalescent serum specimens.
Main Results:
- Children vaccinated with acellular pertussis vaccines, particularly the SmithKline Beecham DTaP vaccine, exhibited higher mean log ELISA titers for IgG against PT.
- These elevated IgG responses to PT and FHA in acellular vaccine recipients contributed to differences in ELISA diagnostic sensitivity.
- Acellular vaccine groups showed minimal IgA responses to PT but robust IgA responses to FHA in convalescent sera, enhancing diagnostic utility.
Conclusions:
- Acellular pertussis vaccines, especially DTaP, elicit stronger IgG responses to key pertussis antigens compared to whole-cell vaccines.
- The observed antibody profiles, including IgA responses to FHA, improve the sensitivity of serological assays for diagnosing pertussis in vaccinated individuals.
- Serological monitoring of antibody responses is valuable for understanding vaccine performance and optimizing diagnostic strategies for pertussis.