Nosocomial acquisition of pertussis diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction.
Awareness is growing of the role of pertussis infection among adolescents and adults, and of the possibility of nosocomial transmission. However, pertussis remains difficult to diagnose. We report a case of nosocomially acquired pertussis in a healthcare worker, diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction. The high sensitivity and rapid turnaround time for this test is useful to confirm the diagnosis when advising a healthcare worker to refrain from working.
Matlow
A G
AG
Division of Microbiology/Infectious Diseases, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Nelson
S
S
Wray
R
R
Cox
P
P
D000328:Adult; D016358:Contact Tracing; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000635:transmission; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010348:Patient Care Team; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012138:Respiratory Therapy; D014917:Whooping Cough / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000635:transmission