The invention relates to acellular vaccines being effective against whooping cough and is based on a functional component of the fimbriae of Bordetella pertussis i.e. the actual adhesin molecule being a "minor" component in the fimbriae. The vaccines according to the invention have the advantage that both they may induce an effective immune respons against all B.pertussis strains and - most likely - also against Bordetella parapertussis being the second important causative agent of whooping cough. Further, the vaccines may also be used for veterinary applications, to protect against Bordetella bronchiseptica infections.
Read full abstract