Pertussis: what the pediatric infectious disease specialist should know.
Pertussis is a bacterial disease that is transmitted very efficiently from human to human by droplets. It occurs at any age, is endemic in any population, and can cause outbreaks in highly variable frequencies. Hallmark of the disease is cough with or without paroxysms, whoop, and vomiting. Diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion followed by laboratory confirmation (PCR, Serology) and should be followed by prompt antibiotic treatment to stop spread of the bacteria to contact persons. Control of pertussis by acellular vaccines is possible to some extent if immunization coverage is high and booster doses are given lifelong. However new vaccines with higher efficacy rates are warranted.
Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University Children's Hospital Basel, Switzerland.
Ulrich
U
Heininger
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001886:Bordetella pertussis / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003141:Communicable Diseases; D015721:Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013038:Specialization; D014917:Whooping Cough / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D015721:Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine