Pertussis outbreak in primary and secondary schools in Ludwigslust, Germany demonstrating the role of waning immunity

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2009 Mar;28(3):242-4. doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e31818a5d69.

Abstract

A pertussis outbreak primarily affecting school-age children in Ludwigslust, Germany, was investigated in 2006 to estimate attack rates and relative risk of pertussis according to time since last vaccination, after a complete primary course. Results suggested waning immunity beginning approximately 5 years after the last dose of pertussis vaccination. Most cases could have been prevented by earlier booster vaccination.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood*
  • Bordetella pertussis / immunology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Female
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Immunity / immunology
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pertussis Vaccine / immunology
  • Risk Factors
  • Schools*
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data
  • Whooping Cough / epidemiology*
  • Whooping Cough / immunology*
  • Whooping Cough / microbiology
  • Whooping Cough / transmission
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Pertussis Vaccine