Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 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

Nosocomial pertussis infection of infants: still a risk in 2009

Jennifer M Paterson1, Vicky Sheppeard

  • 1Sydney West Centre for Population Health, Parramatta, New South Wales. Jen_M_Paterson@wsahs.nsw.gov.au

Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report
|March 19, 2011
PubMed

Insights

A pertussis (whooping cough) infection in a vaccinated healthcare worker led to infections in four neonates. This highlights the need for vigilance against pertussis in neonatal settings, even with vaccination.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Neonatal Care

Background:

  • Pertussis (whooping cough) poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, including neonates.
  • Healthcare settings, particularly maternity wards, are critical environments for preventing infectious disease transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe a pertussis outbreak in a neonatal unit originating from a healthcare worker.
  • To outline the public health interventions implemented to control the spread.
  • To emphasize the importance of maintaining awareness of pertussis in healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

  • Investigation of a confirmed pertussis case in a healthcare worker.
  • Identification and confirmation of pertussis in neonates under their care.
  • Public health response including contact tracing and prophylaxis.

Main Results:

  • Four neonates acquired pertussis infection from the infected healthcare worker.
  • Three neonates had laboratory-confirmed pertussis; one was diagnosed clinically.
  • The outbreak necessitated hospitalisation of infants and prophylactic treatment for 73 individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Pertussis can occur in vaccinated individuals, necessitating ongoing clinical suspicion.
  • Healthcare workers with respiratory symptoms should be evaluated for pertussis, especially when working with neonates.
  • Prompt public health interventions are crucial to prevent further transmission in high-risk settings.

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

Related Concept Videos

Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment01:25

Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment

Transmission-based precautions are for patients infected or suspected to be infected (or colonized) with organisms posing a significant risk to others. The transmission precautions include airborne and protective environment precautions.
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
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...
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 V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following: