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Malignant pertussis in infants: 4 new cases in French Guiana

Cédric Ngila Lubunu1, Christelle Samou-Fontcho1, Urbain Agbessy Awanou1

  • 1Service de pédiatrie, CHU de Guyane, site de Cayenne, 3 avenue Alexis Blaise, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana; Service de pédiatrie, CHU de Guyane, site de Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, Avenue Paul Castaing, Saint-Laurent du Maroni 97320, French Guiana; Service de médecine et réanimation néonatale, CHU de Guyane, 3 avenue Alexis Blaise, Cayenne 97300, French Guiana.

Journal of Infection and Public Health
|November 26, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Malignant pertussis is a severe condition in infants, causing respiratory failure and high mortality. Vaccination is crucial for preventing these dangerous cases and protecting vulnerable populations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Malignant pertussis is a severe form of pertussis.
  • It is characterized by respiratory distress, polyvisceral failure, and marked hyperlymphocytosis.
  • Typical presentations include profound leukocytosis, pulmonary hypertension, and respiratory failure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report on four cases of malignant pertussis in young infants.
  • To highlight the severity and outcomes of this condition.
  • To emphasize the importance of vaccination in preventing severe pertussis.

Main Methods:

  • Case series reporting on four infants with malignant pertussis.
  • Clinical data including presentation, treatment, and outcomes were reviewed.
  • One patient received exchange transfusion.

Main Results:

  • The case fatality rate in the reported cases was 50%.
  • Malignant pertussis presented with severe symptoms including respiratory failure and hyperlymphocytosis.
  • The condition is associated with high mortality and significant intensive care costs.

Conclusions:

  • Malignant pertussis is a severe and often fatal condition in infants.
  • Vaccination is the primary strategy for preventing these severe cases.
  • Ensuring infant immunization and extending it to at-risk adults is essential to prevent transmission.

Keywords:
HyperleukocytosisInfant mortalityMalignant pertussisRespiratory failureVaccination

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