No abstract

In Algeria, vaccination against pertussis is carried out using the whole-cell pertussis vaccine combined with the diphtheria and tetanus toxoids (DTwp). The quality control of vaccines locally produced or imported is carried out before the batch release. The aim of our work was to evaluate the potency of pertussis vaccines. In the present study, five consecutive trials of potency were conducted on samples of the same batch of (DTwp) using the mouse protection test (MPT) against experimental infection of Bordetella pertussis strain 18323, based on the Kendrick test. The virulence of B. pertussis strain 18–323 was verified by the mortality of mice, with an average LD50 of 338.92, as well as the dose of the lethal test containing a mean number of LD50 of 324.43. The (MPT) test recorded a relative potency of 8.02 IU/human dose, with 95% CL of (3.56–18.05) IU/human dose. The development of the (MPT) at the laboratory of quality control of vaccines and sera at the Pasteur Institute of Algeria was effective in evaluating the potency of whole-cell pertussis vaccines. Interestingly, our study indicates that this potency is necessary for the vaccine quality assurance. Further validation is needed to strengthen the application and routine use of the test.

Background: We aimed to assess Vitamin D levels in patients with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and to investigate the correlation between vitamin D and metabolic imbalance. Material and Methods: For our study, we selected thirty-one patients with T1D without complications and fifty-seven healthy controls. Diabetic patients were diagnosed using the criteria of the World Health Organization/American Diabetes Association. Vitamin D, Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), insulin and C peptide assay were performed using chimilunescence. Glucose level, lipid profile, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and ionogram were also analysed. Results: Vitamin D, HbA1c and Gly levels were found to be significant in T1D patients than in controls (P<0.5). However, for PTH, no significant difference was observed (P > 0. 05) and the results show a non-significant difference of total cholesterol potassium, sodium, phosphor and calcium concentration averages. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the deficiency of VD is associated with an increased risk of T1DM in Algerian population.