IgG responses after booster vaccination with different pertussis vaccines in Dutch children 4 years of age: effect of vaccine antigen content.

Since whooping cough is reemerging in the Netherlands from 1996 onwards, several changes in the national immunization program have been implemented regarding the pertussis vaccinations. The aim of this study is to investigate IgG responses in whole cell (wP) and acellular (aP) pertussis vaccine primed children following revaccination with different pertussis booster vaccines at 4 years of age. IgG levels to pertussis toxin (Pt), filamentous heamagglutin (FHA), pertactin (Prn) and fimbriae type 2 and 3 (Fim2/3) and avidities of Pt and Prn antibodies were measured using a multiplex immunoassay. Before and after the booster we found significantly higher IgG levels to Pt, FHA and Prn in aP compared to wP primed children. In all children a booster vaccination with a pertussis vaccine containing a high antigen dose (Infanrix) induced higher IgG responses compared to a low antigen dose containing vaccine (Triaxis). Avidities of Pt- and Prn-antibodies before and after booster vaccination were significantly higher in aP than in wP primed children. This study shows that a booster vaccine with high pertussis antigen concentrations induces higher antibody levels than a low antigen containing vaccine. In children primed with the Dutch DTwP-IPV-Hib vaccine we suggest to administer a booster vaccine containing high pertussis antigens to optimize IgG responses. The pertussis vaccination history has to be taken into account in decisions on changes in pertussis vaccination policy.