How increased pertussis vaccination coverage is changing the epidemiology of pertussis in Italy
- Autori: ROTA MC; D'ANCONA F; MASSARI M; MANDOLINI D; GIAMMANCO A; CARBONARI P; SALMASO S; DEGLI ATTI ML
- Anno di pubblicazione: 2005
- Tipologia: Articolo in rivista (Articolo in rivista)
- Parole Chiave: Seroepidemiology; Vaccination coverage; Pertussis; Italy
- OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/5251
Abstract
The epidemiology of pertussis in Italy is described by using data from the statutory notification system and from seroepidemiology studies. Starting from the 1990s, the incidence of pertussis in Italy has shown a sharp decline and is now at the lowest level ever reached. During this time period vaccination coverage has increased from 88% in 1998 to 95% in 2003. In 1996–97, the prevalence of subjects with levels of IgG antibodies against PT greater than 2 EU/ml was 77.6%. The increase in vaccination coverage will probably change the pattern of disease transmission and increase the number of susceptible adults, unless administration of booster doses to adolescents and adults is considered