Circulation of Bordetella pertussis in the Caribbean Netherlands: a population-based seroepidemiological study

Objectives: Pertussis is a respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. In the Caribbean Netherlands (CN), comprising the islands Bonaire, St Eustatius, and Saba, registration of cases is mandatory for disease surveillance. However, insufficient laboratory facilities hamper case confirmation, and circulation persists. The aim of this seroepidemiological study was to gain insight into B. pertussis circulation in CN, and to investigate what factors contribute to the risk of infection. Methods: Blood samples and questionnaires were collected for 1829 participants aged 0–90 years... Mehr ...