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[Clinical and epidemiological differences between Bordetella pertussis and respiratory syncytial virus infections in

Francisco Giménez-Sánchez1, Elena Cobos-Carrascosa1, Miguel Sánchez-Forte1

  • 1Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Pediatría, Complejo Hospitalario Torrecárdenas, Almería, España.

Enfermedades Infecciosas Y Microbiologia Clinica
|September 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Pertussis and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in infants present similarly, complicating diagnosis. Pertussis cases showed more pre-admission symptoms, longer hospital stays, and higher rates of apnea and cyanosis compared to RSV.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology

Background:

  • Rising pertussis incidence in infants poses diagnostic challenges due to overlapping symptoms with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
  • Differentiating between pertussis and RSV is crucial for appropriate infant care and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare clinical and epidemiological features of Bordetella pertussis and RSV infections in hospitalized infants.
  • Identify key differentiating factors between pertussis and RSV in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Matched case-control study (2008-2011) comparing infants with PCR-confirmed pertussis to RSV-infected infants.
  • Data collected included demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings.
  • Cases (pertussis) were matched 1:2 with controls (RSV) by age, sex, and admission date.

Main Results:

  • Seventy-eight infants (26 pertussis, 52 RSV) were analyzed.
  • Pertussis cases exhibited longer symptom duration before admission, extended hospital stays, and more frequent epidemic family contacts.
  • Apnea and cyanosis were significantly more common in pertussis, while fever, vomiting, and respiratory distress were more frequent in RSV infections. Lymphocytosis was also higher in pertussis.

Conclusions:

  • While clinical presentations overlap, specific signs like apnea, cyanosis, and lymphocytosis suggest pertussis.
  • Fever, vomiting, and respiratory distress are more indicative of RSV infection in infants.
  • Distinguishing features aid in the diagnosis of pertussis versus RSV in hospitalized infants.
Abstract

Keywords:
BronchiolitisBronquiolitisInfecciones respiratoriasRespiratory infectionsRespiratory syncytial virusTos ferinaVaccinesVacunasVirus respiratorio sincitialWhooping cough

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