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Airborne transmission of Bordetella pertussis

Jason M Warfel1, Joel Beren, Tod J Merkel

  • 1Division of Bacterial, Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|July 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Pertussis, a respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis, spreads through aerosolized droplets. A baboon study confirmed 100% infection in naive animals without physical contact, proving airborne transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis.
  • Current understanding suggests transmission occurs via respiratory droplets, but definitive proof is lacking.
  • The exact mode of transmission requires further investigation to inform public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the transmission route of Bordetella pertussis.
  • To determine if airborne transmission of pertussis occurs in a controlled animal model.
  • To provide empirical evidence for the airborne transmission of pertussis.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the baboon model, a well-established model for studying pertussis.
  • Exposed naive baboons to infected baboons under conditions preventing physical contact.
  • Monitored naive animals for infection to assess transmission efficacy.

Main Results:

  • 100% of exposed naive animals became infected with Bordetella pertussis.
  • Infection occurred despite the prevention of direct physical contact between infected and naive animals.
  • Demonstrated efficient transmission via aerosolized respiratory droplets.

Conclusions:

  • Pertussis transmission is primarily mediated by aerosolized respiratory droplets.
  • Airborne transmission is a significant factor in the spread of Bordetella pertussis.
  • Findings support the need for enhanced airborne precautions in managing pertussis outbreaks.

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