CASE BASED REVIEW OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Bordetella pertussis
Dr Tadayo Hashimoto M.D.
Professor
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
What is the major problem that may results from the use of pertussis vaccine?
- Side effects and vaccine-related complication have been a problem with some pertussis vaccine preparations (inactivated whole cell vaccine). Local inflammation and febrile reactions are common, although rarely febrile seizures are experienced.
- Small but vocal groups argue that permanent neurologic sequelae are occasionally caused by the vaccine. Critical epidemiologic analysis of all available data does not support these claims.
- In the case presented, mother opted not to give Jerry DPT vaccine because her brother has a history of epilepsy.
- Whooping cough still occur periodically in this country because certain populations of people are not immunized either due to fear or negligence of parents.
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