Adaptation of Bordetella pertussis to vaccination: a cause for its reemergence?
2001
How Vaccination Affects Whooping Cough Bacteria
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Mooi F R, van Loo I H, King A J
Primary Institution: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
Hypothesis
Vaccine-induced immunity has affected the evolution of Bordetella pertussis.
Conclusion
Bordetella pertussis has adapted in a way that allows it to persist despite high vaccination rates, contributing to its reemergence.
Supporting Evidence
- Pertussis vaccines have been used extensively for more than 40 years in the Netherlands.
- Despite high vaccination coverage, pertussis has reemerged in the Netherlands.
- A notable change in the population structure of B. pertussis was observed after vaccination was introduced.
- Antigenic divergence was noted between clinical isolates and vaccine strains.
Takeaway
Vaccines help protect us, but sometimes the germs can change so they don't get stopped by the vaccine anymore.
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