Pertussis in Lao PDR: Seroprevalence and disease

Daria Kleine, Somxay Billamay, Phetsavanh Chanthavilay, Sodaly Mongkhoune, Chirapha Keokhamphoui, Chanthala Souksakhone, Phonethipsavanh Nouanthong, Bouaphan Khamphaphongphane, Claude P. Muller, Antony P. Black*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives: Pertussis is a debilitating vaccine-preventable infection. The aim of this study was to determine susceptibility and exposure to pertussis in Lao PDR in different age groups and subpopulations. Methods: A total 3072 serum samples were obtained from different cohorts: children with documented vaccination, pre-schoolers, schoolchildren, blood donors, healthcare workers (HCWs), and pregnant women and paired cord blood. Samples were tested for anti-pertussis toxin IgG antibodies. A history of Bordetella pertussis exposure was defined according to antibody titres. Four hundred and seventy-five throat swabs and nasopharyngeal aspirates were analysed by PCR for the presence of B. pertussis in symptomatic children at the Children's Hospital in Vientiane. Results: Overall pertussis seroprevalence was 57.5%. The prevalence of titres indicating acute infection or recent vaccination or infection/vaccination within the last 12 months ranged from 7.4% (100/1356) in adults to 21.4% (25/117) in pre-schoolers (age 1–5 years). B. pertussis was detected in 1.05% (5/475) of children with respiratory symptoms in Vientiane Capital. Conclusions: It is suggested that routine childhood vaccination, in particular outreach, as well as vaccination of HCWs should be strengthened. A childhood booster and vaccination of pregnant mothers should be considered. There is also a need to improve reporting and to introduce pertussis testing in at least one central facility.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)282-287
Number of pages6
JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases
Volume95
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2020

Keywords

  • Bordetella pertussis
  • Lao PDR
  • Seroprevalence
  • Vaccine immunogenicity
  • Vaccine-preventable infection

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