Dual infection with Bordetella pertussis and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in three infants: case reports

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Respiratory Pathogen Research
• Microbiology and Immunology

Background:

• Pertussis-like symptoms in infants necessitate investigation into causative agents.
• Co-infections with bacterial and atypical pathogens can complicate clinical presentation and outcomes.
• Accurate diagnosis of respiratory infections is crucial for effective management.

Observation:

• Three infant cases presented with concurrent Bordetella pertussis and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.
• Bordetella pertussis was detected via real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in nasopharyngeal specimens.
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae was identified through both culture and RT-PCR methods.

Findings:

• Standard culture methods failed to isolate Bordetella pertussis or B. parapertussis from nasopharyngeal aspirates.
• All three infants diagnosed with mixed Bordetella and Mycoplasma infections experienced fatal outcomes.
• Real-time PCR proved effective in identifying Bordetella pertussis in these co-infected cases.

Implications:

• Co-infection with other respiratory pathogens is likely common in Bordetella-infected patients.
• Mixed infections may result in more severe disease presentations and increased mortality risk.
• Diagnostic strategies should consider the possibility of co-infections for comprehensive patient care.