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Pertussis in infants, children, and adolescents: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Flor M Munoz1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Section of Infectious Diseases, and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. florm@bcm.tmc.edu

Seminars in Pediatric Infectious Diseases
|March 9, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Pertussis (whooping cough) is re-emerging globally in infants and children, even with high vaccination rates. Waning immunity necessitates adolescent boosters and early diagnosis for effective management.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis, is a contagious respiratory illness with a global resurgence.
  • Despite high vaccination rates, pertussis causes significant illness and death in infants, children, and adolescents.
  • Factors contributing to resurgence include increased awareness, better diagnostics, and waning immunity post-childhood immunization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the re-emergence of pertussis (whooping cough) globally.
  • To discuss the contributing factors to the resurgence of this disease.
  • To emphasize the importance of vaccination and early diagnosis in managing pertussis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological data on pertussis incidence and trends.
  • Analysis of factors contributing to vaccine-induced immunity waning.
  • Evaluation of diagnostic advancements and reporting practices.

Main Results:

  • Pertussis is re-emerging worldwide, affecting infants, children, and adolescents.
  • Waning immunity in vaccinated individuals creates susceptible populations.
  • Adolescents and adults contribute to transmission to vulnerable infants.

Conclusions:

  • A cellular pertussis vaccine boosters for adolescents are recommended in industrialized nations.
  • Active immunization and prompt diagnosis are critical for controlling pertussis.
  • Addressing waning immunity is key to reducing pertussis morbidity and mortality.

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