From the Guidelines
Pertussis antibody titers are not explicitly stated in the provided evidence, but a pertussis titer of 94 EU/mL or higher generally indicates adequate immunity, as seen in other studies 1.
Key Points
- Pertussis titers measure antibody levels against Bordetella pertussis, the bacterium that causes whooping cough.
- For healthcare workers and those in close contact with infants, a pertussis titer of 94 EU/mL or higher generally indicates adequate immunity.
- If titers are below this level, vaccination with Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) is recommended.
- The standard adult Tdap dose is 0.5 mL administered intramuscularly, typically in the deltoid muscle.
Vaccination Recommendations
- For pregnant women, a Tdap vaccine is recommended during each pregnancy, ideally between 27-36 weeks gestation, regardless of previous vaccination history or titer levels, as stated in the study by 1.
- This provides passive immunity to the newborn through maternal antibody transfer.
- Pertussis antibody levels naturally wane over time, which is why boosters are important for maintaining immunity against this highly contagious respiratory disease that can be particularly severe in infants.
Important Considerations
- Routine monitoring of pertussis titers is not recommended after vaccination, as a single Tdap booster is sufficient for most adults.
- Elevated levels of pertussis antibodies in the mother are likely within 1--2 weeks after vaccination, as seen in the study by 1.
- The geometric mean antibody concentrations (GMCs) to all vaccine pertussis antigens in adolescents 1 month after a single dose of Tdap were noninferior to those of infants immunized with 3 doses of pediatric DTaP, as stated in the study by 1.
From the Research
Pertussis Antibody Titers
- The provided studies do not directly mention the specific values of Pertussis (whooping cough) antibody titers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is mentioned that high pertussis antibody titers in adolescents and adults indicate unrecognized infection in these groups 6.
- The studies focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pertussis, as well as the effectiveness of vaccination strategies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The waning of acquired immunity following pertussis immunization or infection is also discussed, leading to changes in tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) immunization recommendations 2, 6.
Vaccination Strategies
- The studies recommend vaccination strategies such as universal adolescent immunization and immunization of adults, particularly those in contact with young infants, to reduce the risk of pertussis transmission 3, 6.
- The effectiveness of maternal pertussis vaccination in preventing pertussis disease in infants is also highlighted, with estimates of effectiveness ranging from 69% to 93% 3.