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Published on: February 22, 2019
Molecular diagnosis of Bordetella pertussis infection by evaluation of formalin-fixed tissue specimens
Kathleen M Tatti1, Kai-Hui Wu, Gary N Sanden
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Division of Viral and Rickettsial Disease, Infectious Disease Pathology Activity, 1600 Clifton Rd., NE, Mailstop G30, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. ket2@cdc.gov
Abstract:
Formalin-fixed lung or trachea tissue specimens from four infants and one adolescent who died of respiratory illness were tested for Bordetella pertussis by conventional and real-time PCR assays. B. pertussis was confirmed in all cases. PCR can be an invaluable retrospective diagnostic tool for evaluating archival tissues from patients with suspected fatal pertussis.
Insights
Bordetella pertussis was detected in lung and trachea tissues from fatal respiratory illness cases using PCR. This polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay is a valuable tool for diagnosing past pertussis infections in archival tissue samples.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pathogen Detection
- Respiratory Illnesses
Background:
- Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough, a severe respiratory illness.
- Accurate diagnosis of fatal pertussis cases is crucial for public health.
- Archival tissue analysis offers potential for retrospective diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of PCR assays for detecting Bordetella pertussis in archival formalin-fixed tissues.
- To confirm B. pertussis in fatal pediatric respiratory illness cases.
Main Methods:
- Conventional and real-time PCR assays were employed.
- Testing was performed on formalin-fixed lung and trachea tissue specimens.
- Samples were obtained from infants and an adolescent deceased from respiratory illness.
Main Results:
- Bordetella pertussis was confirmed in all tested specimens.
- PCR successfully identified the pathogen in archival tissues.
Conclusions:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an effective retrospective diagnostic method.
- PCR is invaluable for diagnosing suspected fatal pertussis in archival tissues.
