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Pertussis manifesting as recurrent cough and wheezing in an incompletely vaccinated 8-month-old infant

Dimitri Poddighe1,2, Marco Giuseppe Nedbal1, Nunzia Mastricci1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, ASST Melegnano e Martesana, Vizzolo Predabissi, Italy.

BMJ Case Reports
|October 11, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Pertussis, a respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis, is re-emerging. This case highlights the need for early diagnosis in vaccinated infants and potential vaccine strategy adjustments.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Pertussis (whooping cough) caused by Bordetella pertussis is re-emerging in developed nations.
  • The disease is often under-recognized, leading to an underestimation of its public health burden.
  • Current vaccination schedules may require re-evaluation in light of changing epidemiological factors.

Observation:

  • A clinical case of pertussis is presented in an infant who received routine vaccinations.
  • Diagnosis was achieved through meticulous clinical assessment, including detailed patient and family history.
  • The infant presented with atypical pertussis symptoms, underscoring diagnostic challenges.

Findings:

  • Early and accurate diagnosis of pertussis is crucial, even in vaccinated individuals.
  • Atypical presentations can occur, necessitating a high index of suspicion.
  • Clinical vigilance is key to identifying under-recognized cases of Bordetella pertussis.

Implications:

  • This case emphasizes the importance of considering pertussis in infants with respiratory symptoms, irrespective of vaccination status.
  • Findings suggest a potential need to modify or enhance immunization strategies in Europe.
  • Adapting vaccination policies to evolving social and health landscapes, including vaccine coverage rates, is critical.

Keywords:
general practice / family medicineglobal healthpaediatricspneumonia (infectious disease)

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