Pertussis Surveillance in Pediatric Practices in France (2002–2006)
Author Information
Author(s): Guiso Nicole, de La Rocque France, Njamkepo Elisabeth, Lécuyer Aurelie, Levy Corinne, Romain Olivier, Thollot Franck, Abitbol Véronique, Soubeyrand Benoit, Cohen Robert
Primary Institution: Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
Hypothesis
Is the duration of immunity induced by the pertussis whole-cell vaccine still similar to the duration estimated in 1993–1994?
Conclusion
The pediatric surveillance confirms the usefulness of following vaccine recommendations for pertussis and the need for continued monitoring of B. pertussis populations.
Supporting Evidence
- Immunization with the whole-cell vaccine has reduced the incidence of pertussis.
- Transmission now occurs predominantly from adolescents and adults to unvaccinated newborns.
- A cyclic disease pattern was observed with peaks in 1993, 1997, 2000, and 2005.
- Only 22 out of 47 confirmed cases had been vaccinated.
- The mean age of confirmed cases was similar to that observed in 1993–1994.
Takeaway
This study looked at who gets whooping cough in kids and found that the vaccine is still important for keeping them safe.
Methodology
Data was collected from 79 pediatricians who enrolled infants and children suspected of having pertussis from September 2002 to April 2006.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in diagnosis as unvaccinated children may have been seen earlier due to more severe symptoms.
Limitations
Vaccination status and biologic diagnosis were only available for 139 out of 383 enrolled children.
Participant Demographics
Children suspected of having pertussis, with a mean age of 9.9 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0009
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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