Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis of Bordetella pertussis isolates from the 2007–2008 epidemic in Israel

Since our report of genomic epidemiology of Bordetella pertussis in Australia in this Journal earlier this year, 1 Safarchi A. Octavia S. Wu S.Z. Kaur S. Sintchenko V. Gilbert G.L. et al. Genomic dissection of Australian Bordetella pertussis isolates from the 2008–2012 epidemic. J Infect. 2016; 72: 468-477 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (30) Google Scholar we have now investigated the genetic variations of B. pertussis in Israel. Israel has been using acellular vaccine (ACV) since 2002. 1 Safarchi A. Octavia S. Wu S.Z. Kaur S. Sintchenko V. Gilbert G.L. et al. Genomic dissection of Australian Bordetella pertussis isolates from the 2008–2012 epidemic. J Infect. 2016; 72: 468-477 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (30) Google Scholar In Israel, there are currently two ACV formulations, including: Infanrix (GlaxoSmithKline), containing detoxified pertussis toxin (Ptx), filamentous hemaggluttin (Fha) and pertactin (Prn); and Poliocel (Sanofi Pasteur), containing two additional fimbriae antigens (Fim2 and Fim3), which are administered to infants at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months, with boosters administered at 7 and 13 year olds (Boostrix, GlaxoSmithKline). Despite a national vaccination coverage rate of 95%, pertussis epidemics have been observed in 2004, 2007 and 2012. The incidence rate in the 2007 epidemic (37/100,000) was the highest in over 50 years. 2 Moerman L. Leventhal A. Slater P.E. Anis E. Yishai R. Marva E. The re-emergence of pertussis in Israel. Isr Med Assoc J – IMAJ. 2006; 8: 308-311 PubMed Google Scholar