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Bordetella pertussis and mixed infections

F G A Versteegh1, E A N M Mooi-Kokenberg, J F P Schellekens

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Groene Hart Ziekenhuis, Gouda, The Netherlands. versteegh@linuxmail.org

Minerva Pediatrica
|July 13, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Coinfection with other respiratory pathogens is common in pertussis (whooping cough) cases. This study found that nearly 30% of pertussis infections had evidence of additional pathogens, suggesting mixed infections are frequent.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Pertussis (whooping cough) is a significant respiratory infection.
  • Diagnosis typically focuses on Bordetella pertussis, often overlooking coinfections.
  • Mixed infections may lead to more severe disease presentations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of coinfections with other respiratory pathogens in laboratory-confirmed Bordetella pertussis cases.
  • To investigate the frequency of co-occurring infections in patients presenting with pertussis-like symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study analyzing serological data from two groups of patients with confirmed Bordetella pertussis.
  • Group 1: 51 episodes from 50 patients in long-term follow-up.
  • Group 2: 31 patients from routine practice with positive pertussis serology.

Main Results:

  • Coinfection was detected in 23 out of 82 (28%) Bordetella pertussis infections.
  • Identified coinfecting pathogens included para-influenza virus, RSV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, adenovirus, and influenza A and B viruses.
  • Most cases (21/23) had one additional pathogen, while two cases had two additional pathogens.

Conclusions:

  • Coinfection with other respiratory pathogens is frequently present in patients diagnosed with Bordetella pertussis.
  • These findings highlight the importance of considering and potentially testing for mixed infections in pertussis cases.
  • Further research may be warranted to understand the clinical impact of these coinfections.

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