Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis Vaccines ; Haemophilus influenzae type b ; immunology ; Influenza Vaccines ; Vaccination ; methods ; Vaccines, Combined

A recent resurgence of pertussis has raised public health concerns even in developed countries with high vaccination coverage. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of infant pertussis, and to determine the relative importance of household transmission in Korea. The multicenter study was prospectively conducted from January 2009 to September 2011. We identified the demographic and clinical data from these patients and performed the diagnostic tests for pertussis in their household contacts. Twenty-one patients with confirmed pertussis were included in the analysis. All infections occurred in infants younger than 6 months of age (mean age, 2.5 months) who had not completed the primary DTaP vaccination except for one patient. Infants without immunization history had a significant higher lymphocytosis and longer duration of hospital stay compared to those with immunization. All were diagnosed with PCR (100%), however, culture tests showed the lowest sensitivity (42.9%). Presumed source of infection in household contacts was documented in 85.7%, mainly parents (52.6%). Pertussis had a major morbidity in young infants who were not fully immunized. Household members were responsible for pertussis transmission of infants in whom a source could be identified. The control of pertussis through booster vaccination with Tdap in family who is taking care of young infants is necessary in Korea.
Bordetella pertussis/genetics ; Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis Vaccines/immunology ; Female ; Humans ; Immunization, Secondary ; Infant ; Length of Stay ; Lymphocytosis/etiology ; Male ; Parents ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prospective Studies ; Republic of Korea ; Whooping Cough/diagnosis/immunology/*transmission

The aim of this study was to investigate the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis antibody titers after antineoplastic treatment and to suggest an appropriate vaccination approach for pediatric hemato-oncologic patients. A total of 146 children with either malignancy in remission after cessation of therapy or bone marrow failure were recruited. All children had received routine immunization including diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccination before diagnosis of cancer. The serologic immunity to diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis was classified as: completely protective, partially protective, or non-protective. Non-protective serum antibody titer for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis was detected in 6.2%, 11.6%, and 62.3% of patients, respectively, and partial protective serum antibody titer for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis was seen in 37%, 28.1%, and 8.9% of patients. There was no significant correlation between the severity of immune defect and age, gender or underlying disease. Revaccination after antineoplastic therapy showed significantly higher levels of antibody for each vaccine antigen. Our data indicates that a large proportion of children lacked protective serum concentrations of antibodies against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. This suggests that reimmunization of these patients is necessary after completion of antineoplastic treatment. Also, prospective studies should be undertaken with the aim of devising a common strategy of revaccination.
Adolescent ; Age Factors ; Antibodies, Bacterial/blood/immunology ; Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Diphtheria/immunology/prevention & control ; Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis Vaccines/*immunology ; Female ; Hematologic Neoplasms/*diagnosis/drug therapy ; Humans ; Immunization, Secondary ; Lymphoma/diagnosis/drug therapy ; Male ; Neuroblastoma/diagnosis/drug therapy ; Sex Factors ; Tetanus/immunology/prevention & control ; Whooping Cough/immunology/prevention & control

INTRODUCTIONPertussis is a highly communicable, vaccine-preventable respiratory disease and a frequent but often underestimated cause of prolonged cough illness in adults. Protection after childhood vaccination is minimal after 10 years without boosting. The need for adult booster depends on the national epidemiology.

MATERIALS AND METHODSWe did a seroepidemiological survey amongst the adult population (aged 18 to 45 years) of Singapore. None had received pertussis booster vaccine in the preceding 10 years. We measured IgG antibodies to pertussis whole cell antigen.

RESULTSTwo hundred and seventy subjects with the median age of 30 years were enrolled. We found positive IgG antibody levels in 97% of the population. Seropositivity was not associated with age, gender or race.

CONCLUSIONThe seroprevalence in adults was much higher than the previously documented seroprevalence of around 50% in the adolescent age group in Singapore. The increase is most likely due to natural infection with B. pertussis. Pertussis booster vaccine for adolescents/young adults in Singapore would be indicated.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic ; immunology ; Antibodies, Bacterial ; blood ; Bordetella pertussis ; immunology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis Vaccines ; pharmacology ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; immunology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Population Surveillance ; methods ; Prevalence ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Singapore ; epidemiology ; Whooping Cough ; epidemiology ; immunology ; prevention & control