title: Pertussis Epidemiology in Greece and Emerging Risk Groups during the Vaccination Era (1980-2008).
abstract: To study the epidemiology of pertussis in Greece and epidemiologic changes throughout a period of twenty-nine years, we conducted a retrospective analysis of available data of pertussis cases for the past twenty-nine years (1980-2008) and a prospective analysis of hospitalized pertussis cases from a children's hospital in Athens for eight years (2001-2008). From 1980 through 2008, the incidence of pertussis in Greece declined from 11.2 to 0.05 cases per 100,000. Epidemic cycles occurring every 3 to 5 years were observed. Since pertussis circulation cannot be fully controlled by present immunization programs, efforts should be made to vaccinate infants at the recommended age, early diagnose, treatment as well as contact tracing of pertussis cases. Control of pertussis in social susceptible populations is necessary. A national program with adolescent and adult booster could decrease the circulation of B. pertussis. Despite an overall decrease for pertussis cases, pertussis is still a present and future challenge of public health service in Greece.
authors.affiliation: First Department of Pediatrics, "Agia Sofia" Children's Hospital, University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Theodoridou
authors.forename: Georgia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dargenta
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aptouramani
authors.forename: Panagiotis
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Papastergiou
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Katsiaflaka
authors.forename: Kalliopi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Theodoridou
authors.forename: Christos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hadjichristodoulou