Immunological Links to Nonspecific Effects of DTwP and BCG Vaccines on Infant Mortality
Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskrift › Tidsskriftartikel › Forskning › fagfællebedømt
A number of mainly observational studies suggest that many African females below the age of one year die each year from the nonspecific effects of vaccination with diphtheria-tetanus toxoids and killed (whole-cell) Bordetella pertussis (DTwP). In contrast, similar studies suggest that many African females and males may have their lives saved each year by the nonspecific immunological benefits of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination. From an immunological point of view, we hypothesise that the adverse effects of DTwP vaccine may occur because of the Th2-polarising effect of the aluminium phosphate adjuvant in the vaccine and because intramuscular administration of the vaccine may cause chronic inflammation at the site of injection. However, the Th1-polarising effect of BCG is likely to be beneficial. Sexual dimorphism affecting immune functions and vitamin A supplementation may influence both the deleterious and beneficial nonspecific effects of immunisation.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
---|---|
Tidsskrift | Journal of Tropical Medicine |
Vol/bind | 2011 |
Sider (fra-til) | 706304 |
ISSN | 1687-9686 |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - 2011 |
ID: 38170642