An overview of the status of acellular pertussis vaccines in practice.

Infection with Bordetella pertussis continues to result in widespread morbidity and mortality. Although whole cell pertussis vaccines are effective in controlling pertussis, concerns relating to adverse effects following vaccination have led to the development of a new generation of pertussis vaccines. Acellular pertussis vaccines have decreased endotoxin content and are less reactogenic than whole cell vaccines. The composition of acellular pertussis vaccines varies, resulting in differing immunogenicity. Recent studies have demonstrated that these vaccines, in general, have an efficacy similar to that of whole cell vaccines. The development of acellular pertussis vaccines is an advance that should result in less discomfort from vaccination and the potential for increased vaccine usage, resulting in the possible elimination of this disease.