This systematic review and meta-analysis examined serological surveillance data from approximately 87,000 participants across 37 countries. The researchers looked at blood tests to detect antibodies against pertussis, which indicate past infection or immunity.
The study found that the global pooled seropositivity rate was 23.3%. Recent infection rates were 3.6% overall. However, these numbers changed based on age. Infants aged one to two had a rate of 25.8%, while adults aged 20 to 39 had a lower rate of 17.1%. Individuals aged 40 and older showed a rate of 20.5%.
Regional differences were also clear. In the Americas, seropositivity reached 51.2%, whereas the Eastern Mediterranean Region reported a recent infection rate of 10.3%. Infection rates also shifted over time, rising from 6.4% between 2011 and 2015 to 2.7% between 2016 and 2022.
The main takeaway is that current control methods relying only on childhood vaccines may not be enough. The data highlights the need for a precision public health model that uses seroepidemiological data to guide control efforts for all ages.
