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[Microorganisms isolated in cases of pertussis-like syndrome]
A Ferrer1, I Calicó, J M Manresa
1Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Pg Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona.
Objective:
To describe the etiologic study of the pertussis-like syndrome, not only as far as Bordetella genus is concerned but also regarding the causative role of other microorganisms for a 11-year period (1988-1998).
Methods:
In all specimens from patients suffering from pertussis-like cough the presence of Bordetella spp., other bacteria, viruses, and mycoplasma was investigated. The analysed data included microbiological findings and epidemiologic issues (age, sex, hospital admission area, yearly distribution and seasonal period).
Results:
A total of 1,063 specimens were investigated, most of them nasopharyngeal aspirates (910), corresponding to 905 patients; a positive culture was obtained form 56.9 of these patients. B. pertussis was isolated from 10.5% of patients. As for other bacteria, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae were also isolated, in 16.9% and 15.8% of occasions, respectively. The respiratory syncitial virus was isolated from 10.7% of patients and other viruses in 9.4%. Among mycoplasma, Ureaplasma urealyticum predominated, with a recovery rate of 2.9%. The male/female ratio was 495/410; the ages of 67.2% of patients ranged from 0 to 6 months; a total of 689 (76.1%) required hospital admission. The recovery of B. pertussis and adenoviruses predominated during spring and summer months. In contrast, H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae and respiratory syncitial virus were recovered more frequently during winter months.
Conclusions:
Most patients with pertussis-like syndrome are children aged less than 6 months. The recovery percentages of B. pertussis and respiratory syncitial virus are identical and therefore we think that the investigation of their presence in this syndrome is fully warranted as well as the search for other microorganisms, since clinical symptoms are commonly non-specific among infants.
Insights
This study investigated the causes of pertussis-like syndrome over 11 years, finding that Bordetella pertussis and respiratory syncytial virus are equally common. Other bacteria and viruses also contribute to these symptoms, especially in infants.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Pertussis-like syndrome presents a diagnostic challenge due to non-specific symptoms in infants.
- Etiologic studies are crucial for understanding the causative agents beyond Bordetella pertussis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an 11-year etiologic study (1988-1998) of pertussis-like syndrome.
- To investigate the role of Bordetella genus and other microorganisms in causing these symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Microbiological investigation of Bordetella spp., other bacteria, viruses, and mycoplasma in patient specimens.
- Analysis of epidemiological data including age, sex, hospital admission, and seasonal distribution.
Main Results:
- Bordetella pertussis was isolated from 10.5% of patients; respiratory syncytial virus from 10.7%.
- Haemophilus influenzae (16.9%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (15.8%) were frequently isolated bacteria.
- Most affected patients (67.2%) were infants under 6 months, with 76.1% requiring hospitalization.
Conclusions:
- Bordetella pertussis and respiratory syncytial virus show similar recovery rates in pertussis-like syndromes.
- Investigating both B. pertussis and other potential pathogens is essential due to non-specific infant symptoms.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for infants presenting with pertussis-like illness.