Épidémiologie de la coqueluche dans le monde

Abstract

Whooping cough is a worldwide infectious disease whose epidemiology can be described according to four phases. The introductory phase is related to the first known description of the disease, about 500 years ago. Although initial descriptions originated from Europe, there are indications that the disease already existed in several countries, such as on the Asian continent. It is thought that the disease is associated with the adaptation of a bacteria from domestic animal origin. Expansion of the disease until the 19th century was linked to the development of towns in Europe and the colonial expansion. Control of pertussis started in the early 20th century with a decline of overcrowding in industrial towns, and moreover with the introduction of widespread vaccination. Good control of the disease was achieved, resulting in a subsequent alteration of epidemiologic surveillance. Delayed introduction of vaccination in developing countries had the same beneficial effect. Contemporary reemerging whooping cough in developed countries with high vaccination coverage is observed. It is associated with epidemiologic changes associated with vaccination, impact on the increased role of adults in the transmission, and the possible lower efficacy of the vaccines. Further sustained control of whooping cough will be achieved if it is based on effective surveillance systems of clinical cases and the study of the relationship between pathogen variability and vaccination.