Pertussis Accompanying Recent Mycoplasma Infection in a 10-Year-Old Girl

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Respiratory Medicine
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Increasing incidence of pertussis (whooping cough) globally.
• Limited reports of mixed pertussis infections in highly immunized populations.
• Pertussis remains a concern despite widespread vaccination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of mixed Bordetella pertussis and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
• To highlight the importance of considering pertussis in differential diagnoses of persistent cough.
• To document the first such co-infection identified in Korea.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 10-year-old female presenting with cough, fever, and bronchopneumonia.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) used for nasopharyngeal aspirate to detect Bordetella pertussis.
• Serologic testing performed to identify Mycoplasma pneumoniae co-infection.

Main Results:

• Confirmed co-infection with Bordetella pertussis and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a fully vaccinated child.
• Patient diagnosed with bronchopneumonia and successfully treated with roxithromycin.
• This represents the first documented case of mixed B. pertussis and M. pneumoniae infection in Korea.

Conclusions:

• Pertussis should be considered in the diagnosis of chronic cough, even with co-existing respiratory pathogens.
• Vaccination does not eliminate the risk of pertussis, necessitating continued vigilance.
• Early and accurate diagnosis of mixed infections is crucial for effective patient management.