Abstract
In 1989, the prevalence of IgG antibodies to pertussis toxin (PT) in a sample of 367 unvaccinated apparently healthy children 5–14 years old was estimated by ELISA in Kumba City (Cameroon). Children were recruited using a systematic random sampling from six primary schools located in different districts of the city. The sample was representative of the various socio-economic classes.
The overall prevalence was 75%; it increased from 62% in 5 year old children to 81% in children 12–14 years old (P < 0.01). IgG antibody prevalence was positively related to the family size. Children belonging to households of nine or more members had a 2.2-fold risk (C.I. 95 per cent =1.1–4.6) of previous exposure to B. pertussis infection. No association was found with the father's occupation (O.R. = 1). These findings demonstrate a great impact of pertussis infection in Cameroon, with a nearly total exposure by late childhood.
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Stroffolini, T., Giammanco, A., Chiarini, A. et al. Seroepidemiology of pertussis infection in an urban childhood population in Cameroon. Eur J Epidemiol 7, 64–67 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00221343
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00221343