ISSN:
1573-7284
Keywords:
Pertussis
;
Infection
;
Children
;
Cameroon
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
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.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00221343
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