title: Pertussis vaccines: acellular versus whole-cell.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Prince Henry Hospital, Sydney, NSW.
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Boughton
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D010567:Pertussis Vaccine; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014917:Whooping Cough / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D010567:Pertussis Vaccine