AN OVERVIEW OF THE STATUS OF ACELLULAR PERTUSSIS VACCINES IN PRACTICE

Infection with Bordetella pertussis continues to result in widespread morbidity and mortality. Although whole cell pertussis vaccines are ef fective in controlling pertussis, concerns relating to adverse effects following vaccination have led to the development of a new generation of pertussis vaccines. Acellular pertussis vaccines have decreased en dotoxin content and are less reactogenic than whole cell vaccines. The composition of acellular pertussis vaccines varies, resulting in diff ering immunogenicity. Recent studies have demonstrated that these vacc ines, in general, have an efficacy similar to that of whole cell vacci nes. The development of acellular pertussis vaccines is an advance tha t should result in less discomfort from vaccination and the potential for increased vaccine usage, resulting in the possible elimination of this disease.