Whole-cell pertussis vaccine (DTwP) has no influence on allergic diseases and atopic sensitization in children

Introduction
Vaccine opponents indicate that the infant’s immune system is inadequately developed to handle multiple vaccines which may overwhelm the immune system, leading to allergic diseases.

Aim
To verify the association between the vaccine antigen overload derived from DTwP and the development of atopic sensitization and allergic diseases.

Material and methods
Data from an earlier established birth cohort in Krakow, followed up to the 6th year of life were used. Allergic diseases such as eczema, hay fever and asthma were diagnosed by a physician and reported every half a year from the 1st to 6th year of life by the child’s parent. Skin prick tests (SPT) were performed in children at 5 years of age. The data on infants’ vaccination were extracted from the physician’s records. The status of vaccine antigen exposure was based on different types of vaccines against pertussis (DTwP or DTaP) in a primary course. Results were determined by multiple logistic regression, adjusted to potential confounders.

Results
The analyzed population consisted of 234 children: 53.4% – boys and 46.6% – girls. Infants up to the age of 8 months were vaccinated with the primary course against pertussis, with DTwP – 60.7%, DTaP – 32.9% and further 6.4% with a mixed course (DTwP + DTaP). There were no significant relationships between any of vaccination groups and allergic disease and allergen sensitivity in the multiple logistic regression model with adjustment to potential confounders.

Conclusions
The exposure to a large number of vaccine antigens derived from DTwP has no influence on the development of allergic diseases and atopic sensitization in children.