Source: Blood  |  Posted 9 years ago

Some Spanish paediatric populations remain susceptible to pertussis outbreaks despite widespread vaccine coverage.

Researchers from Servicio de Salud Publica del Area III, Madrid, Spain, characterised 10 cases of catarrhal illness with cough of lasting two weeks in children under 15 years of age living in a gipsy community. The community was insufficiently vaccinated against pertussis.

Half the cases of catarrhal illness with cough occurred in children aged between 5 and 9 years. Thirty percent of the cases had not been vaccinated against pertussis and half of those who developed the infection were incorrectly vaccinated. There were no statistically significant differences in age, gender or vaccine status between cases and controls drawn from the same community.

The authors assessed serum samples from four patients for IgG against []Bordetella pertussis[] as well as IgG and IgA against pertussis toxin (PT) and filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA). Three cases showed seroconversion for total IgG. Two children showed seroconversion for IgG-PT and IgA-PT. Serology ruled out other pathogens.

The authors concluded that some populations of children remain susceptible to pertussis despite widespread vaccine coverage, leaving them vulnerable to outbreaks of []Bordetella pertussis[]. Incorrect vaccination is largely responsible for the susceptibility in these populations.