Pertussis vaccines: acellular versus whole-cell.
Acellular pertussis vaccines containing purified Bordetella pertussis antigens have now been extensively field tested. They produce a significantly lower rate of reactions than whole-cell vaccines and their efficacy is either comparable or superior. At least three antigens appear necessary for good protection: pertussis toxoid, filamentous haemagglutinin and pertactin (an outer-membrane protein); fimbrial agglutinogens are probably not needed. It is hoped that a cellular pertussis vaccine will soon be licensed in Australia for both primary and booster vaccination.
Boughton
C R
CR
Department of Infectious Diseases, Prince Henry Hospital, Sydney, NSW.
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D010567:Pertussis Vaccine; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014917:Whooping Cough / Q000517:prevention & control*
D010567:Pertussis Vaccine