Usage
Pertactin is a component of some acellular pertussis vaccines, including DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis) and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) vaccines. It is not a standalone medication. These vaccines are used for active immunization against pertussis (whooping cough). Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
Pharmacological Classification: Vaccine, Bacterial vaccine.
Mechanism of Action: Pertactin is an outer membrane protein of Bordetella pertussis and is considered an adhesin, thought to play a role in the bacteria’s attachment to host cells in the respiratory tract. As a vaccine component, pertactin elicits an immune response, producing antibodies that help protect against pertussis infection.
Alternate Names
Pertactin is also known as a 69 kDa outer membrane protein of Bordetella pertussis. The abbreviation PRN is often used. Brand names containing pertactin are part of combination vaccines, and thus, the “pertactin” itself is not marketed under a specific brand name. Examples of vaccines containing pertactin include:
- Infanrix
- Boostrix
- Kinrix
- Pediarix
- Pentacel
- Quadracel
- Daptacel
- Vaxelis
How It Works
Pharmacodynamics: Pertactin, as a vaccine component, stimulates the production of antibodies against Bordetella pertussis. These antibodies target pertactin on the bacterial surface, impeding the bacteria’s ability to adhere to host cells and facilitating their clearance by the immune system.
Pharmacokinetics: Pertactin is administered intramuscularly as part of a vaccine. The pharmacokinetic properties of individual pertussis antigens within combination vaccines are complex and not typically measured individually. The immune response, including antibody titers, is usually the primary focus of pharmacokinetic studies for vaccines. Elimination pathways for the individual antigens are not usually studied separately.
Mode of Action: Pertactin’s role as an adhesin is crucial for the bacteria’s virulence. Antibodies generated against vaccine-derived pertactin bind to the bacteria, thereby neutralizing its ability to adhere and colonize the respiratory tract.
Receptor Binding/Enzyme Inhibition/Neurotransmitter Modulation: Pertactin is an adhesin that may interact with host cell receptors, though the specific receptors involved are not entirely clear. It does not have enzymatic activity or direct effects on neurotransmission.
Elimination Pathways: The elimination pathways for pertactin after vaccination are not routinely studied.
Dosage
Pertactin is administered as a component within combination vaccines. Therefore, dosage is determined by the overall vaccine formulation and schedule. Please refer to the specific vaccine’s prescribing information for detailed dosing instructions.
Standard Dosage
Refer to individual vaccine prescribing information.
Adults:
Refer to individual vaccine prescribing information.
Children:
Refer to individual vaccine prescribing information.
Special Cases:
Refer to individual vaccine prescribing information.
Clinical Use Cases
Pertactin-containing vaccines are used for routine immunization against pertussis in infants, children, adolescents, and adults, including pregnant women.
Dosage Adjustments
Refer to individual vaccine prescribing information.
Side Effects
Side effects are generally related to the combined vaccine rather than the individual pertactin component.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects associated with pertussis-containing vaccines can include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, irritability, drowsiness, and decreased appetite.
Rare but Serious Side Effects
Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), seizures, and neurological events (encephalopathy) have been reported, although extremely rare.
Long-Term Effects
Long-term side effects specifically related to pertactin are not established.
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR)
Severe allergic reactions and neurological complications are potential ADRs, though infrequent.
Contraindications
Contraindications for pertussis-containing vaccines typically include a history of severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or any of its components, or encephalopathy within 7 days of a prior dose of a pertussis-containing vaccine.
Drug Interactions
Refer to the specific vaccine’s prescribing information for drug interactions. Co-administration with other vaccines is generally well-tolerated, though antibody responses to some antigens might be slightly reduced.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pertussis-containing vaccines, including those with pertactin, are recommended for pregnant women, preferably between 20 and 32 weeks gestation, to protect both the mother and the newborn. These vaccines are considered safe during breastfeeding.
Drug Profile Summary
Mechanism of Action: Vaccine component eliciting immune response against Bordetella pertussis.
Side Effects: Generally mild and localized to the injection site. Rare but serious reactions are possible.
Contraindications: Previous severe allergic reaction or encephalopathy following a pertussis-containing vaccine.
Drug Interactions: Refer to specific vaccine information.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Recommended during pregnancy and safe during breastfeeding.
Dosage: Administered as a component of combination vaccines; dosage depends on the specific vaccine.
Monitoring Parameters: Monitoring primarily focuses on adverse event reporting after vaccination. Antibody titers can be assessed in research settings, but are not routinely measured in clinical practice.
Popular Combinations
Pertactin is typically included in combination vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Some vaccines also include inactivated poliovirus, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and/or hepatitis B vaccines.
Precautions
Standard precautions for vaccine administration should be followed.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What is the recommended dosage for Pertactin?
A: Pertactin is not a standalone medication. It is a component of acellular pertussis vaccines, and its dosage is incorporated within the overall vaccine formulation. Consult the specific vaccine’s prescribing information.
Q2: How does pertactin contribute to the efficacy of acellular pertussis vaccines?
A: Pertactin acts as an adhesin, aiding in the attachment of Bordetella pertussis to host respiratory cells. Antibodies against pertactin block this adhesion, thus reducing bacterial colonization and the risk of infection.
Q3: Are there any specific side effects associated with the pertactin component of the vaccine?
A: Side effects are typically attributed to the combined vaccine formulation rather than the individual pertactin component.
Q4: Can pertactin-containing vaccines be given during pregnancy?
A: Yes, they are recommended during pregnancy, preferably between 20 and 32 weeks gestation.
Q5: Are there any contraindications to receiving a pertactin-containing vaccine?
A: Yes, contraindications include severe allergic reactions or encephalopathy following a previous dose of any pertussis-containing vaccine.
Q6: How effective are pertussis vaccines containing pertactin?
A: Acellular pertussis vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe pertussis, although immunity may wane over time.
Q7: What is the role of pertactin in Bordetella pertussis infection?
A: It facilitates bacterial adhesion to host respiratory cells, contributing to colonization and infection.
Q8: Can pertactin-containing vaccines be given with other vaccines?
A: Yes, concomitant administration with other vaccines is generally well-tolerated, although immune responses to some antigens might be slightly reduced. Consult individual vaccine prescribing information for details.
Q9: How long does immunity from a pertussis vaccine last?
A: Immunity wanes over time, hence the need for booster doses.
Q10: What is the difference between DTaP and Tdap vaccines?
A: DTaP is given to infants and children under 7 years old, while Tdap is given to adolescents and adults. Both contain pertactin and other pertussis antigens, but at different concentrations.
