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Pertussis Vaccination for Adults: An Updated Guide for Clinicians
1Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore.
Insights
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a growing concern in adults, often difficult to diagnose and treat. Increased vaccination awareness and uptake are crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
- Public Health
Background:
- Pertussis (whooping cough), caused by *Bordetella pertussis*, is increasingly prevalent in adults.
- Adult pertussis presents diagnostic challenges due to nonspecific symptoms and test limitations.
- Comorbidities and weakened immune systems increase severe complication risk in adult pertussis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide clinicians with critical insights into pertussis epidemiology in adults.
- To review current vaccination strategies and guideline recommendations for pertussis.
- To empower clinicians to discuss and advocate for adult pertussis vaccination.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pertussis epidemiology.
- Analysis of current vaccination guidelines and efficacy data.
- Synthesis of diagnostic and treatment challenges in adult populations.
Main Results:
- Pertussis diagnosis in adults is complicated by nonspecific symptoms and diagnostic test sensitivity.
- Macrolide treatment efficacy is debated, with emerging concerns about antibiotic resistance.
- Vaccination is highly effective but faces low uptake due to awareness and prioritization issues.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians need updated information on pertussis to effectively manage adult cases.
- Enhanced patient and provider education is essential to improve vaccination rates.
- Increased vaccination is key to controlling pertussis in the adult population.
Abstract:
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Although traditionally associated with children, pertussis is increasingly prevalent among adults, particularly those with comorbidities or weakened immune systems, where it can lead to severe complications. Diagnosing pertussis in adults can be challenging due to its nonspecific symptoms, underreporting, and the limited sensitivity of available diagnostic tests. While treatment with macrolides is generally effective, it may not significantly alter the clinical course of the disease, and growing concerns about macrolide resistance are emerging. Vaccination remains the cornerstone of prevention, offering proven immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety. However, vaccination uptake remains low, partly due to limited patient awareness and insufficient prioritization by healthcare professionals. This review aims to provide clinicians with critical insights into pertussis epidemiology, vaccination strategies, and the latest guideline recommendations, empowering them to engage in meaningful discussions with adult patients and advocate for increased vaccination to combat this often-overlooked infection.
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