Bordetella pertussis Serotypes and Fimbrial Expression in Finland
Author Information
Author(s): Eriikka Heikkinen, Dorothy K Xing, Rose-Marie Ölander, Jukka Hytönen, Matti K Viljanen, Jussi Mertsola, Qiushui He
Primary Institution: Pertussis Reference Laboratory, National Public Health Institute, Turku, Finland
Hypothesis
The study aims to investigate the serotypes of Bordetella pertussis isolates in Finland and their fimbrial expression over time.
Conclusion
Despite extensive vaccinations in Finland, Fim2 strains were the most common serotype, while Fim3 strains emerged since 1999, coinciding with nationwide epidemics.
Supporting Evidence
- 1,109 isolates were serotyped from 1974 to 2006.
- 94% of isolates from 1976 to 1998 were Fim2 serotype.
- Fim3 strains increased to 83% during a nationwide epidemic in 2003.
Takeaway
This study looked at whooping cough germs in Finland and found that even with many people getting vaccinated, one type of germ was still the most common.
Methodology
Serotyping was done by agglutination and serotype-specific antibody responses were determined by blocking ELISA.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the selection of serum samples from patients.
Limitations
The study may not account for all circulating strains and their variations over time.
Participant Demographics
Patients ranged from 4 months to 64 years old, with a mean age of 17 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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