An expert panel opinion on protection against pertussis in Mexico: The role of acellular and whole-cell vaccines

Abstract

Pertussis is a highly contagious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis, which may be preventable by vaccination. There are two types of vaccines: whole-cell vaccines and acellular vaccines. Since pertussis control worldwide is heterogeneous, re-emergence of whooping cough has been observed in some countries. This re-emergence has been related to several factors: increased susceptibility to infection, better detection of disease, problems in obtaining adequate vaccination co-verage, increase in susceptible subjects (mainly under 6 months of age), loss of immunity in adolescents and young adults, and likely genetic and adaptive B. pertussis changes. This paper discusses whole-cell and acellular vaccines’ characte-ristics, advantages, and disadvantages. International recommendations are presented, and the participants’ position is offered regarding the influence of the use of acellular vaccines and the potential disadvantages of reintroducing whole-ce-ll vaccines, mainly due to their reactogenicity. Finally, strategies to achieve better control of pertussis in Mexico are dis-cussed.