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Trends in Commercial Laboratory Testing and Positivity for Bordetella Species in the United States, 2019 Through 2023
Cheryl J Isenhour1, Lucia Pawloski1, Susan Hariri1
1Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Background:
Diagnostic methods for detecting infections caused by Bordetella species include culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and serology. As the epidemiology of pertussis continues to evolve in the United States, we aimed to assess recent trends in provider testing practices and positivity for both Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis.
Methods:
Using deidentified data from a large US commercial laboratory, we identified Bordetella tests from 2019 through 2023. We described monthly trends in number of tests ordered by test type for culture, PCR (both nonpanel B. pertussis and B. parapertussis tests and those included as part of a respiratory panel), and serology, as well as percent positivity for serology and PCR. We also examined orders and positivity by patient age group and geographic region of the ordering provider.
Results:
Among 527 206 tests, we identified 316 428 (60.1%) PCR tests, 204 480 (38.8%) serologic tests, and 5840 (1.1%) cultures. While most PCR tests were ordered as part of a respiratory panel (83.5%), only 215 (0.08%) were positive for B. pertussis. Nonpanel PCR positivity for B. pertussis was substantially higher but variable over the study period, ranging from 3% to 16%. We also observed a notable increase in B. parapertussis positivity on nonpanel PCR tests in the first half of 2023.
Conclusions:
Both PCR and serology remain preferred diagnostic methods for providers. Despite their increasing popularity, B. pertussis positivity remained low for respiratory panels. Data from commercial laboratories can provide crucial insights into pertussis diagnostic trends over time.
Insights
Recent trends show polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serology are preferred for pertussis diagnosis. While PCR use is rising, B. pertussis positivity remains low on respiratory panels, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Medical diagnostics
- Infectious disease epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Traditional Bordetella diagnostics include culture, PCR, and serology.
- Pertussis epidemiology is evolving in the U.S.
- Assessing provider testing practices and positivity for B. pertussis and B. parapertussis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess recent trends in Bordetella testing practices and positivity rates.
- To analyze diagnostic method utilization and performance from 2019-2023.
- To identify shifts in B. pertussis and B. parapertussis detection.
Main Methods:
- Utilized deidentified data from a large U.S. commercial laboratory (2019-2023).
- Analyzed trends in culture, PCR (panel and non-panel), and serology test orders and positivity.
- Examined data by patient age group and geographic region.
Main Results:
- PCR was the most common test (60.1%), followed by serology (38.8%).
- B. pertussis positivity was low (<1%) on respiratory panels but variable (3-16%) on non-panel PCR.
- A notable increase in B. parapertussis positivity was observed in early 2023.
Conclusions:
- PCR and serology are favored diagnostic methods by providers.
- Low B. pertussis positivity on respiratory panels indicates a need for improved diagnostic strategies.
- Commercial laboratory data offers valuable insights into pertussis diagnostic trends.
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