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Research reveals the impact of vaccination on whooping cough

A study has shown how vaccination has affected the spread of whooping cough over the years.


A study has shown how vaccination has affected the spread of whooping cough over the years.

Vaccination against the disease began between 1940 and 1960 around the world. While it has brought down the rates of infection and deaths, whooping cough has not been completely wiped out, with new strains of the bacteria responsible for the condition continuing to emerge.

The research, published in the journal mBio, used cutting-edge technology to study in detail 343 different strains, collected from across the globe over the last 100 years, in order to understand the impact of vaccination.

By charting the journey of the bacteria, the researchers uncovered findings which could lead to more effective public health strategies to control the disease. Alongside the development of new vaccines, suggested changes put forward include vaccinating pregnant mothers and adults who come into contact with new-born babies.

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Read the research paper

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