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Bordetella pertussis infection in infants: a reemerging disease

Barbara Snapp1, Deborah Fischetti

  • 1Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA. b.snapp@yahoo.com

Advances in Neonatal Care : Official Journal of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses
|March 28, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Bordetella pertussis, a contagious bacterial illness, is increasing in the US, particularly affecting infants under one year old. This case report details a recent infection in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Area of Science:

  • Bacteriology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory illness.
  • Pertussis is experiencing a resurgence in the United States.
  • Infants under one year are the most vulnerable population to severe pertussis complications.

Observation:

  • A case of Bordetella pertussis infection in a neonate was reported.
  • The infant was admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
  • The current pertussis outbreak has multifactorial causes.

Findings:

  • This case report highlights a specific instance of pertussis in a vulnerable infant.
  • The report underscores the ongoing challenge of managing pertussis outbreaks.
  • Detailed case information can aid in understanding disease progression in neonates.

Implications:

  • Increased vigilance and vaccination efforts are crucial to protect infants.
  • Understanding outbreak drivers is essential for public health interventions.
  • Neonatal intensive care units must be prepared for pertussis cases.

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