Pertussis toxins, other antigens become likely targets for genetic engineering
Article Abstract:
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, results from infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by sudden, peculiar coughing which ends in a whooping sound during inspiration. The pertussis vaccine is used to activate the immune system to produce antibodies that specifically protect against the development of pertussis. The approved pertussis vaccines consist of chemically inactivated whole cells of B. pertussis, and are effective but may infrequently cause nerve-related disorders. The newly developed acellular pertussis vaccines contain only purified portions of B. pertussis, are less effective than whole-cell vaccines, and may cause toxic effects. Four years ago, the gene that controls the production of the pertussis toxin was isolated and its structure determined. Since then several mutant strains of B. pertussis that produce a non-toxic, but immune-activating pertussis toxin molecule have been developed. In studies using experimental mice, the mutant strains did not cause the usual toxic effects of normal B. pertussis, such as lymphocytosis (an excess of lymph cells), increased sensitivity to histamine, activation of islet cells (which produce insulin), or anaphylaxis, an allergic hypersensitivity reaction. However, these mutant strains were still capable of protecting the mice after exposure to normal B. pertussis. An initial study in humans showed that a vaccine containing a mutant strain was safe and provided more protection against pertussis than the chemically inactivated pertussis toxin vaccines. The genetically engineered pertussis toxin molecule was recently combined with diphtheria and tetanus toxins to produce a diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine. Other antigens are currently under consideration for use in the development of genetically engineered pertussis vaccines. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
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Acellular pertussis vaccine is licensed for infants
Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved one acellular pertussis vaccine for use in the primary diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DPT) schedule begun at the ages of 2, 4 and 6 months. The vaccine, whose brand name is Tripedia, was tested in two large trials and was shown to be 95% effective with few side effects. It does not contain whole cells but only parts of the cell that generate an immune response. A second vaccine called Infanrix received tentative approval from an FDA committee, but many doctors are concerned about its side effects.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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Acellular pertussis vaccines available soon for fourth, fifth doses of DTP immunization
Article Abstract:
A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee has recommended the use of acellular pertussis vaccines for the fourth and fifth dose of the childhood DPT immunization schedule.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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