The mouse intranasal challenge model for potency testing of whole-cell pertussis vaccines

Introduction: A mouse intracerebral challenge model is used for potency testing of whole-cell pertussis (wP) vaccines. We investigated the use of a mouse nasopharyngeal challenge model, which better reflects the clinical features of pertussis disease, to differentiate between efficacy of wP vaccines. Methods: Efficacy of three wP vaccines (Quinvaxem®, Easyfive® and Pentavac®) was tested in the nasopharyngeal challenge model. Mice were vaccinated at 4 and 7 weeks and challenged with Bordetella pertussis at 9 weeks. Vaccine efficacy was determined based on CFU in the lungs 5 days after challenge. Results: The mouse nasopharyngeal challenge model has the capacity to differentiate between the efficacy of whole cell pertussis vaccines. Conclusion: The mouse nasopharyngeal challenge model could be considered as a potency and release assay for wP vaccines. Whether this model directly correlates with clinical vaccine efficacy requires further investigations. Whether this model directly correlates with clinical va...