English Abstract A localized outbreak of pertussis in a part of the Bam
province, Burkino Faso (West Africa) has been investigated in order to
confirm the clinical diagnosis with laboratory methods, and to study the
protective efficacy of the vaccine. In the affected area childhood
immunization are given according to a simplified vaccination schedule with
only two doses of a quadruple DTCP (DPT-IPV) vaccine (against diphteria,
tetanus, pertussis and poliomyelitis). A total of 115 children was studied
(interview, serology, classical culture, PCR test). The clinical diagnosis
could be confirmed in a number of children by serology. Among children of 5
years and older some had received two DTCP caccinations. Younger children
seemed to be protected better against pertussis. The numbers of children
studied are too small however for a precise estimate of pertussis vaccin
efficacy in this particular immunization program with simplified
schedule.