History of the network

The European network for pertussis strains and genomics (EUpertstrain) was established in 2001 with the aims to improve pertussis surveillance and to study impact of Bordetella pertussis changes on vaccine effectiveness among European countries. It consists of many national reference and research laboratories in Europe. The network has published several expert consensus articles regarding the diagnosis of pertussis by PCR and serology, and epidemiological typing of B. pertussis. It provides an important platform for exchanging information in the field of pertussis at European level. The network has been coordinated by the Finnish National Reference Laboratory for Pertussis and Diphtheria at the University of Turku, Turku, Finland. The network has organized its annual meetings and EUpert serial studies (I-IV).