Pertussis

Pertussis as an infectious disease exhibits a number of unusual features, both with respect to its epidemiology and to the interaction of the bacteia with the infected host. Evidence that a virus may in some cases be the etiology of the syndrome has been reviewed and seems to be have been established in certain instances. Pertussis caused by a virus would not be difficult to accept insofar as the respiratory manifestations of the disease are concerned. It is difficult, however, to reconcile the hematologic changes of pertussis with what is presently known about the usual virus infection of humans. The clinical syndrome itself is suficiently unique as to be recognized in most cases. The use of antibiotics has considerably reduced the mortality of the disease by allowing treatment of complications. The other serious complication of disease, pertussis encephalopathy, remains a problem. The possible occurrence of hypoglycemia during pertussis has been noted and deserves further documentation especially in that it may contribute to the encephalopathy...