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Respiratory viral infections in infants with clinically suspected pertussis

Angela E Ferronato1, Alfredo E Gilio, Sandra E Vieira

  • 1Hospital Universitário da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Jornal De Pediatria
|September 17, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory viral infections are common in infants suspected of pertussis. Etiological testing can help reduce macrolide use, but viral diagnosis doesn't rule out Bordetella pertussis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Pertussis (whooping cough) is a significant concern in infants.
  • Differentiating pertussis from viral respiratory infections can be challenging.
  • Accurate diagnosis impacts treatment decisions, including antibiotic use.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of respiratory viral infections in hospitalized infants with suspected pertussis.
  • To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of these infants.
  • To assess the role of etiological testing in managing suspected pertussis.

Main Methods:

  • A historical cohort study of hospitalized infants with suspected pertussis.
  • Testing for Bordetella pertussis (BP) and respiratory viruses (RVs) was performed.
  • Clinical data were collected from medical records; patients on macrolides pre-hospitalization were excluded.

Main Results:

  • 44% of infants tested positive for Bordetella pertussis, and 26% for respiratory viruses.
  • 35% had no etiological identification; 5% were co-infected with BP and RVs.
  • Rhinorrhea and dyspnea were more common in viral infections; macrolide use was reduced in 40% of RV-positive, BP-negative infants.

Conclusions:

  • Viral infections frequently occur in infants with suspected pertussis.
  • Etiological testing can guide the reduction of macrolide use.
  • A negative viral test does not exclude Bordetella pertussis infection.
Abstract

Keywords:
Bordetella pertussisCoquelucheInfantInfecção respiratóriaLactentesRespiratory tract infectionsVírus respiratóriosWhooping cough

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