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Pertussis IgE and atopic disease
L Nilsson1, C Grüber, M Granström
1Department of Health and Environment, Linköping University, Sweden.
Allergy
|February 4, 1999
Summary
Pertussis toxin IgE (PT-IgE) is common after acellular pertussis vaccines and whooping cough, especially in atopic children. This transient response highlights vaccine and infection impacts on allergic sensitization.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Allergy
Background:
- Pertussis toxin (PT) is known to stimulate IgE production in animal models.
- Pertussis vaccination and natural infection (whooping cough) may similarly influence human IgE responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze immunoglobulin E (IgE) responses to pertussis toxin (PT-IgE) in children after primary immunization with different pertussis vaccines or following whooping cough.
- To compare PT-IgE levels between children who received acellular versus whole-cell vaccines, and in atopic versus nonatopic individuals.
Main Methods:
- Sera from children (vaccinated, whooping cough cases, atopic, and nonatopic controls) were analyzed for PT-IgE.
- Vaccinated children received three doses of either 2- or 5-component acellular pertussis vaccine or whole-cell vaccine.
- Study included 50 atopic children, 99 nonatopic controls, and 40 children with verified pertussis.
Main Results:
- PT-IgE was detected in 19-24% of vaccinated children up to 12 months.
- Acellular vaccines induced higher PT-IgE rates (24%) compared to whole-cell vaccines (3%) at 7 months.
- PT-IgE was more prevalent in atopic children (36%) than controls (10%) after vaccination, and in 30% of pertussis cases, particularly atopic ones.
Conclusions:
- Transient PT-IgE production is common following primary immunization with acellular pertussis vaccines.
- Whooping cough also induces PT-IgE, with atopic subjects showing increased susceptibility.
- Findings suggest acellular pertussis vaccines and infection can transiently stimulate IgE, especially in atopic individuals.