Diagnosis of pertussis: a historical review and recent developments.
The accurate and timely diagnosis of pertussis continues to be challenging. The widespread use of pertussis vaccines has dramatically altered the epidemiology and clinical presentation of pertussis disease, such that many cases do not present with the hallmark symptoms, such as inspiratory whoop, post-tussive vomiting and paroxysmal cough. A variety of laboratory tools are available to aid in the diagnosis of pertussis, including culture, direct fluorescent antibody testing, PCR, and paired and single serology techniques. This article reviews the strengths and limitations, including the sensitivity and specificity, of each of these diagnostic tools.
Wendelboe
Aaron Mark
AM
AMW, 1190 St. Francis Dr., Suite N1320, Santa Fe, NM 87505, USA. Aaron.wendelboe@state.nm.us
Van Rie
Annelies
A
D001886:Bordetella pertussis / Q000502:physiology*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014917:Whooping Cough / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000266:history* / Q000382:microbiology