Seroepidemiology of pertussis in the adult population of Singapore

Annelise Wilder-Smith, S. Ng, Arul Earnest

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26 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction: Pertussis is a highly communicable, vaccine-preventable respiratory disease and a frequent but often underestimated cause of prolonged cough illness in adults. Protection after childhood vaccination is minimal after 10 years without boosting. The need for adult booster depends on the national epidemiology. Materials and Methods: We did a seroepidemiological survey amongst the adult population (aged 18 to 45 years) of Singapore. None had received pertussis booster vaccine in the preceding 10 years. We measured IgG antibodies to pertussis whole cell antigen. Results: Two hundred and seventy subjects with the median age of 30 years were enrolled. We found positive IgG antibody levels in 97% of the population. Seropositivity was not associated with age, gender or race. Conclusion: The seroprevalence in adults was much higher than the previously documented seroprevalence of around 50% in the adolescent age group in Singapore. The increase is most likely due to natural infection with B. pertussis. Pertussis booster vaccine for adolescents/young adults in Singapore would be indicated.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)780-782
Number of pages3
JournalAnnals of the Academy of Medicine Singapore
Volume35
Issue number11
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Acellular pertussis vaccine
  • Adolescent pertussis seroprevalence
  • Pertussis booster vaccine
  • Pertussis seroepidemiology
  • Whooping cough

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