Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Pertussis is common in nonvaccinated infants hospitalized for respiratory syncytial virus infection

Matti Korppi1, Johanna Hiltunen

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland. matti.korppi@uku.fi

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|April 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Bordetella pertussis co-infection was found in 8% of infants hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Pertussis should be considered in unvaccinated infants with lower respiratory tract infections to prevent underdiagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Bordetella pertussis are common respiratory pathogens in infants.
  • Evidence suggests the possibility of co-infection between RSV and B. pertussis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of B. pertussis co-infection in infants hospitalized with RSV.
  • To determine if clinical characteristics can differentiate between RSV infection and mixed RSV-pertussis infection.

Main Methods:

  • Antigen detection was used to identify RSV in 117 infants under 6 months hospitalized with respiratory tract infections.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect B. pertussis in 88 infants reporting cough.

Main Results:

  • RSV was detected in 78% of infants, while B. pertussis was found in 8%.
  • Mixed RSV-pertussis infection occurred in 7 cases (approximately 6% of all infants).
  • Clinical features did not reliably distinguish between isolated RSV and co-infections.

Conclusions:

  • Bordetella pertussis co-infection was present in 8% of infants hospitalized for RSV.
  • Pertussis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infections in unvaccinated infants to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice08:52

Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice

Published on: February 22, 2019

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection09:01

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation01:17

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
Common Respiratory Disorders01:31

Common Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders, a prevalent health concern globally, are generally divided into two primary categories: upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. The categorization is based on the area of the respiratory system they affect.
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...