Cross-sectional seroprevalence study of antibody to Bordetella pertussis toxin in western Saudi Arabia: is there a need for a vaccine booster dose for adolescents and young adults?

Abstract

ObjectivesThe present study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of antibody to pertussis toxin among adult populations in western Saudi Arabia.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingKing Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, western Saudi Arabia. A tertiary care teaching hospital.ParticipantsA total of 1200 participants (400 healthcare workers, 400 military recruits and 400 blood donors) were included. The majority were male (79.3%), and the mean (±SD) age was 27.2 (±6.7) years old.InterventionsThe study included the analysis of serum blood samples using commercial ELISA. A consecutive sampling technique was applied.Primary outcome measuresSeropositivity of antipertussis toxin immunoglobulin G (anti-PT IgG) ≥62.5 IU/mL.ResultsAntibody titres ≥62.5 IU/mL, indicating exposure to Bordetella pertussis infection within the last year, were identified in 12.0% (95% CI 10.2% to 14.0%) of the participants. Titres ≥125 IU/mL, suggesting recent infection, were detected in 3.5% (95% CI 2.5% to 4.7%). Seroprevalence of positive IgG antibody titres (≥62.5 IU/mL) was highest among the healthcare workers (HCWs) (14%), then the military recruits (13.5%) and blood donors (8.5%; p=0.03). The multivariate regression analysis showed association between participants group (HCWs and military), male gender and younger age (<25 years old) and higher antibody to pertussis toxin.ConclusionsHigh pertussis seropositivity was associated with participants’ occupation (ie, healthcare workers and military recruits), and anti-PT IgG titre was negatively correlated with age. A substantial deficiency in pertussis reporting in Saudi Arabia has been suggested, with potential increased risk to the most vulnerable populations (ie, infants and elderly). Enhancing the booster dose of pertussis vaccine for adolescents and adults is crucial to minimise the burden of pertussis.

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis immunity among healthcare professionals and pregnant women in the Moscow region, Russian federation: A preliminary cross-sectional study

“…This may contribute to the formation of a nosocomial cluster of sick healthcare professionals, which, in turn, increases the risk of encountering a source of infection in children under one year of age. The findings are consistent with previously published findings that revealed relatively high proportions of seronegatives among medical personnel (36)(37)(38). Considering the data obtained from the preliminary study, we believe that it is necessary to make certain changes to the national immunization programme in the Russian Federation.…”

Sero-Epidemiological Study of Bordetella pertussis Infection in the Italian General Population

“…Underreporting of pertussis cases, changing epidemiology, circulation of B. pertussis in highly vaccinated populations, and the need for boosters have been pointed out in several other papers [29][30][31][32].…”