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Co-infection with two different strains of Bordetella pertussis in an infant

Pamela K Cassiday1, Melissa Tobin-D'Angelo2, J Renee Watson3

  • 1National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.

Journal of Medical Microbiology
|February 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

An infant was diagnosed with simultaneous infection by two distinct Bordetella pertussis strains. This co-infection highlights the complexity of whooping cough diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis.
  • While typically treated with antibiotics, understanding strain diversity is crucial for effective disease management.

Observation:

  • A case study of an infant male presenting with a prolonged history of cough, paroxysms, and vomiting.
  • The infant was found to be infected with two phenotypically and genotypically distinct strains of Bordetella pertussis.

Findings:

  • Molecular analysis, including PFGE, gene sequencing, and PCR-RFLP, confirmed the presence of two unique B. pertussis strains.
  • This represents a simultaneous co-infection with multiple Bordetella pertussis strains in a single host.

Implications:

  • Co-infection with distinct B. pertussis strains may complicate clinical presentation and treatment strategies.
  • Further research into the prevalence and impact of B. pertussis co-infections is warranted for improved public health interventions.

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