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Related Experiment Videos

Infant pertussis: who was the source?

Kristine M Bisgard1, F Brian Pascual, Kristen R Ehresmann

  • 1Bacterial Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, National Immunization Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|November 17, 2004
PubMed
Summary

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Family members are the primary source of pertussis (whooping cough) for infants. Identifying these sources is key to preventing the disease in vulnerable babies.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Disease Transmission
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Pertussis (whooping cough) incidence increased in the US during the 1990s, with infants under one year facing the highest risk.
  • Reported pertussis cases in infants under one year of age showed significant variation across four states with Enhanced Pertussis Surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiology of reported pertussis cases in infants.
  • To determine the primary source of pertussis transmission to infants.

Main Methods:

  • Examined pertussis case data from four states utilizing Enhanced Pertussis Surveillance.
  • Defined the source of pertussis as an individual with acute cough illness in contact with the infant 7-20 days prior to symptom onset.
  • Interviewed family members of reported case-infants to identify the source of infection.

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Main Results:

  • Family members were identified as the source of pertussis for 43% of case-infants with an identified source.
  • Mothers were the source for 32% of these infants, and other family members for 43%.
  • Individuals aged 30 years and older constituted the largest age group (35%) among identified pertussis sources.

Conclusions:

  • Family members are the predominant source of pertussis transmission to infants.
  • Variations in reported incidence may stem from differences in healthcare provider awareness, diagnostic capabilities, and case classification.
  • Understanding transmission dynamics is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies for infants.