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Outbreak of pertussis in Basra, Iraq
1Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Basra, Iraq.
Insights
During a 1996 pertussis outbreak, Bordetella species were identified in nearly half of cases, primarily B. pertussis, with infants most affected. Close contact spread pertussis, even among the immunized.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Pertussis, a highly contagious respiratory infection, remains a significant public health concern globally.
- Vaccination has reduced pertussis incidence, but outbreaks still occur, necessitating ongoing surveillance and research.
- Understanding the epidemiology and causative agents during outbreaks is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of pertussis cases during an outbreak in Basra, Iraq.
- To identify the Bordetella species responsible for the outbreak and their prevalence.
- To determine risk factors and transmission patterns of pertussis in the affected population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 133 pertussis cases reported between June and December 1996.
- Bacteriological analysis for Bordetella species isolation from clinical samples.
- Demographic and clinical data collection, including immunization status and disease stage.
Main Results:
- Bordetella species were isolated from 48.1% of pertussis cases.
- Bordetella pertussis was the predominant species, though Bordetella parapertussis and dual infections were also identified.
- Isolation rates were highest in infants and during the catarrhal stage of illness.
- Severe pertussis cases, particularly in infants, were associated with B. pertussis and dual Bordetella infections.
- Transmission was primarily linked to close contact with infected individuals.
Conclusions:
- Bordetella pertussis was the main cause of the 1996 pertussis outbreak in Basra, with significant implications for infants.
- The study highlights the continued circulation of pertussis despite immunization, emphasizing the need for robust public health measures.
- Close contact is a primary mode of pertussis transmission, underscoring the importance of infection control practices.
Abstract:
A total of 133 pertussis cases were studied during an outbreak in Basra from June to December 1996. Most were females and were immunized. Bordetella spp. was isolated in 48.1% of the cases. The isolation rate was highest among infants and decreased with increasing age, and was highest during the catarrhal stage. B. pertussis was the most common species; however, B. parapertussis infection did occur. There were some severe cases of pertussis among infants caused mainly by B. pertussis and dual Bordetella infection. Infection was transmitted by close contact with a pertussis case.