Pertussis Infection in Fully Vaccinated Children in Day-Care Centers, Israel
Author Information
Author(s): Issac Srugo, Daniel Benilevi, Ralph Madeb, Sara Shapiro, Tamy Shohat, Eli Somekh, Yossi Rimmar, Vladimir Gershtein, Rosa Gershtein, Esther Marva, Nitza Lahat
Primary Institution: Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
Hypothesis
Younger or recently vaccinated children may be protected from classical clinical illness but remain susceptible to infection and become asymptomatic carriers.
Conclusion
Vaccinated children may be asymptomatic reservoirs for infection, potentially transmitting pertussis to unprotected infants.
Supporting Evidence
- 11% of the children in the two day-care centers were PCR positive, indicating nasopharyngeal colonization.
- Vaccinated children may show nonspecific symptoms, making diagnosis difficult.
- Four of five family members of the infant tested positive for B. pertussis.
Takeaway
Even kids who got their shots can still carry and spread whooping cough without showing symptoms.
Methodology
PCR, EIA, and culture were used to test for B. pertussis infection in children exposed to a fatal case.
Limitations
No cultures were grown from the three groups, and clinical symptoms were self-reported.
Participant Demographics
Children ages 2-6 years and family members of an infant who died of pertussis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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