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Pertussis in adults. What physicians need to know
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|August 1, 1991
Summary
Many physicians are unaware that adults contract pertussis (whooping cough), a significant source of infection for children. Adults with prolonged cough may have pertussis, necessitating physician awareness and action.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Physicians are increasingly aware of adult vaccination needs but often overlook pertussis (whooping cough) in adults.
- Adults are a major reservoir for pertussis transmission to vulnerable children.
- Pertussis outbreaks reveal adults are infected with Bordetella pertussis and transmit it.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the underrecognized role of adults in pertussis epidemiology.
- To emphasize the need for physicians to consider pertussis in adult differential diagnoses.
- To advocate for increased physician involvement in pertussis diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in adults.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on prolonged cough in adults.
- Analysis of pertussis outbreak investigations.
- Serologic evidence of recent pertussis infection in adults.
Main Results:
- 20-25% of adults with prolonged cough show serologic evidence of recent pertussis.
- Adults are documented to contract and transmit Bordetella pertussis.
- Adults represent the primary source of pertussis infection for children.
Conclusions:
- Pertussis is a significant, underdiagnosed condition in adults.
- Physicians must include pertussis in the differential diagnosis for prolonged cough in adults.
- Active physician engagement in adult pertussis diagnosis, treatment, and prevention is crucial.