1422. Burden of Pertussis in South Korea: Implications for adults

Abstract

BackgroundThere are a limited number of published studies on pertussis disease burden and epidemiology in South Korea, particularly those evaluating the impact in adults.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature review on pertussis epidemiology and burden of disease in South Korea. The objective was to highlight evidence gaps which could help improve awareness about pertussis disease in adults in South Korea.ResultsOf 940 articles published between January 2000 to December 2019, 19 articles provided data for pertussis epidemiology and 9 provided data in adults. Laboratory confirmation rates in adults varied according to methodology, likely influenced by study/sampling variations. Three studies reported serological evidence of infection in adolescents and adults (33-57%). Among cases, the average cough duration was 16.5 days (range 7-30 days) and over 85% of cases presented with paroxysmal cough, while only 25% of cases or less presented with a characteristic whoop or post-tussive vomiting. Importantly, in 4 studies reporting vaccination status, almost all adult cases had no history of pertussis vaccination since childhood.ConclusionPrimary childhood vaccination rates in South Korea are among the highest globally, while adult pertussis vaccine uptake appears to be quite low. Our literature review suggests that pertussis is underreported in adults, as evidenced by serology data demonstrating that tetanus antibody levels are low while pertussis toxin antibody levels are relatively high, suggesting continued circulation of community pertussis. These findings highlight the need for strategies such as maternal immunization and decennial revaccination of adults to address the changing epidemiology and waning immunity. Active pertussis testing/reporting and better utilization of adult vaccine registries is required to help provide robust data for vaccine decision-making at the national level. In the current COVID-19 environment, strategies that can reduce clinic or hospital visits will have substantial benefits to authorities managing rapid increases in health care resource utilization, and vaccine preventable diseases provide an easy and immediate target for achieving that goal.DisclosuresBruce Mungall, PhD, the GSK group of companies (Employee, Shareholder) Hyungwoo Kim, MD, MPH, the GSK group of companies (Employee) Kyu-Bin Oh, MD, the GSK group of companies (Employee, Shareholder)