A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Pertussis seroprevalence among adults of reproductive age (20-39 years) in fourteen European countries
Authors: Wehlin Lena, Ljungman Margaretha, Kühlmann-Berenzon Sharon, Galanis Ilias, Huygen Kris, Pierard Denis, Dalby Tine, Petridou Evi, Molnár Zsuzsanna, Carollo Maria, Ausiello Clara M., Lipnickiene Vilnele, Haider Julie, Aase Audun, Herstad Tove Karin, Rastawicki Waldemar, Rio Carla, Popovici Odette, Manchon Fernando De Ory, Bacci Sabrina, Barkoff Alex-Mikael, Hänninen Arno, He Qiushui, Hallander Hans
Publisher: WILEY
Publication year: 2021
Journal: APMIS
Journal name in source: APMIS
Journal acronym: APMIS
Volume: 129
Issue: 9
First page : 556
Last page: 565
Number of pages: 10
ISSN: 0903-4641
eISSN: 1600-0463
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/apm.13165
Web address : https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/apm.13165
The reported incidence of pertussis in European countries varies considerably. We aimed to study specific Bordetella pertussis seroprevalence in Europe by measuring serum IgG antibody levels to pertussis toxin (anti-PT IgG). Fourteen national laboratories participated in this study including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Sweden. Each country collected approximately 250 samples (N = 7903) from the age groups 20-29 years (N = 3976) and 30-39 years (N = 3927) during 2010-2013. Samples were anonymous residual sera from diagnostic laboratories and were analyzed at the national laboratories by a Swedish reference method, a commercial ELISA kit, or were sent to Sweden for analysis. The median anti-PT IgG concentrations ranged from 4 to 13.6 IU/mL. The proportion of samples with anti-PT IgG >= 100 IU/mL, indicating a recent infection ranged from 0.2% (Hungary) to 5.7% (Portugal). The highest proportion of sera with anti-PT IgG levels between 50 and <100 IU/mL, indicating an infection within the last few years, was found in Portugal (12.3%) and Italy (13.9%). This study shows that the circulation of B. pertussis is quite extensive in adults, aged 20-39 years, despite well-established vaccination programs in Europe.