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6 VIEWS & REVIEWS Thwanls solving the peI'tl&is problem In the Journal of Infectious Diseases, Dr KE Edwards from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, US, expresses some optimism that the development and general use of acellular pertussis vaccines will be supported by the results of ongoing and planned studies. I This approach may be equally or more effective than current whole cell vaccination. Data already suggest that acellular vaccines are less reactogenic, and this may allow their use in adults as well as children. Meanwhile a report in WHO Drug Information comments that the success of widespread childhood pertussis vaccination programmes has resulted in many adults now having serological evidence of recent Bordetella pertussis infection. 2 The report adds that, although several acellular pertussis vaccines have been shown to be immunogenic and well tolerated in adults, immunity appears to wane within 2-3 years. It may be that, unlike currently available vaccines, oral vaccines which stimulate local immunity in the respiratory tract will be more effective in decreasing circulation of the organism and the spread of infection. 1. Edwards KM. Acellular pertussis vaccines - a solution to the pertussis problem? Journal of Infectious Diseases 168: 15-20. Jull993.2. Pertussis: a rationale for adult vaccination? Who Drug Infonnation 7: 11-12. No. I. 1993 IIOOru44I 2 Oct 1993 INPHARMA e ISSN 0156-2703l9311002..()()6f$1.00o Adlalntamatlonal Ltd

Towards solving the pertussis problem

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6 VIEWS & REVIEWS

Thwanls solving the peI'tl&is problem In the Journal of Infectious Diseases, Dr KE

Edwards from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, US, expresses some optimism that the development and general use of acellular pertussis vaccines will be supported by the results of ongoing and planned studies. I This approach may be equally or more effective than current whole cell vaccination. Data already suggest that acellular vaccines are less reactogenic, and this may allow their use in adults as well as children.

Meanwhile a report in WHO Drug Information comments that the success of widespread childhood pertussis vaccination programmes has resulted in many adults now having serological evidence of recent Bordetella pertussis infection.2 The report adds that, although several acellular pertussis vaccines have been shown to be immunogenic and well tolerated in adults, immunity appears to wane within 2-3 years. It may be that, unlike currently available vaccines, oral vaccines which stimulate local immunity in the respiratory tract will be more effective in decreasing circulation of the organism and the spread of infection. 1. Edwards KM. Acellular pertussis vaccines - a solution to the pertussis problem? Journal of Infectious Diseases 168: 15-20. Jull993.2. Pertussis: a rationale for adult vaccination? Who Drug Infonnation 7: 11-12. No. I. 1993

IIOOru44I

2 Oct 1993 INPHARMAe ISSN 0156-2703l9311002..()()6f$1.00o Adlalntamatlonal Ltd