Pertussis

Abstract

Pertussis continues to be an important public-health issue. The high immunization coverage rates achieved, mainly in industrialized countries, have certainly decreased the spread of the pathogen. However, as immunity wanes, adolescents and adults play an important role in the dynamics of the infection. The surveillance system has several limitations and the underestimation of pertussis in adolescents, young adults and adults is mainly related to the atypical clinical characteristics of cases and the lack of lab confirmation. The real epidemiological impact of pertussis is not always perceived. The unavailability of comprehensive data should not hamper the adoption of active prophylactic measures designed to avoid the impact of waning immunity against pertussis. Different immunization strategies have been suggested and/or already adopted such as immunization of newborns, pre-school and school children, adolescents, adults, healthcare workers, childcare workers, pregnant women, cocoon strategy. Prevention of pertussis requires an integrated approach and the adoption of different immunization strategies, with the objective of achieving and maintaining high coverage rates.

Keywords: :

• pertussis
• epidemiology
• prevention
• vaccination
• immunization strategies

Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest

Gabutti G received grants from GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA, Sanofi Pasteur MSD, Novartis, Crucell/Janssen, and Pfizer for taking part in advisory boards, expert meetings, being a speaker or an organizer of congresses/conferences, and acting as investigator in clinical trials.

Azzari C. during the last two years took part in boards and/or congresses organized/supported by vaccine producers (Sanofi Pasteur MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA)

Bonanni P received grants from GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA, Sanofi Pasteur MSD, Novartis, Crucell/Janssen, and Pfizer for taking part in advisory boards, expert meetings, being a speaker or an organizer of congresses/conferences, and acting as promoter of epidemiological studies partially supported by vaccine producers

Prato R received grants and travel expenses from Pfizer, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA, and Sanofi Pasteur MSD to take part to advisory boards and expert meetings, to be a speaker in conferences, and to act as principal investigator in studies supported by unrestricted funding from vaccine manufacturers

Tozzi AE received research grants from Pfizer, Sanofi Pasteur MSD, and GlaxoSmithKline Bilogicals SA

Zanetti A received consulting and speaker honoraria from GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA, and Sanofi Pasteur MSD.

Zuccotti GV received grants from GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA, Sanofi Pasteur MSD, Novartis, Crucell/Janssen, and Pfizer for taking part in advisory boards, expert meetings, being a speaker or an organizer of congresses/conferences.

Acknowledgements

This paper reports the technical and scientific independent opinion of the group of experts involved in the Advisory Board on vaccination in the first year of age, promoted by the Sanofi Pasteur MSD Medical and Scientific Department with the purpose of issuing a summary comprehensive report of all available evidence and expert opinions on pertussis.

The Board would like to thank Marco Ercolani and Luigi Fuiano of Sanofi Pasteur MSD Medical Department for their scientific support and active cooperation.