Pertussis specific T-cell immunity in Dutch children: Differences after whole-cell versus acellular vaccination

Bordetella pertussis is the causative bacteria of whooping cough. Whooping cough is a highly contagious infection, which is characterized by coughing with whooping and post-tussive vomiting. In particular, infants under 6 months of age who have not been fully vaccinated, are at risk for serious complications or even death. Initially, pertussis vaccination was successful in protecting young children against whooping cough. However, despite high vaccination coverage rates in the Netherlands, the incidence of pertussis again increased since 1996, similar to the situation in many other countries.... Mehr ...