Adults with pertussis

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Bacteriology
• Public Health

Background:

• Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis.
• While often considered a childhood illness, pertussis can also affect adolescents and adults, potentially leading to prolonged symptoms and complications.
• Adult cases of pertussis may be underdiagnosed due to atypical presentations or lack of awareness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the clinical presentation and progression of Bordetella pertussis infection in a cohort of adult patients.
• To assess the diagnostic and management challenges of pertussis in a general practice setting.
• To advocate for increased recognition and surveillance of pertussis in adult populations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series analysis of adult patients diagnosed with Bordetella pertussis infection.
• Data collection included clinical symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment, and patient outcomes over a 30-month period.
• Infection typing was performed, identifying the specific strain as Bordetella pertussis, type 1.3.

Main Results:

• Eighty adult patients were diagnosed with Bordetella pertussis infection (type 1.3) over 30 months.
• Detailed clinical presentations and disease progression were recorded for all diagnosed individuals.
• The findings underscore the occurrence and impact of pertussis in the adult population within a general practice setting.

Conclusions:

• Bordetella pertussis infection is a significant concern in adults, presenting with varied clinical manifestations.
• Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for pertussis in adults presenting with respiratory symptoms.
• Further attention and targeted surveillance are warranted for adult pertussis to improve diagnosis and control transmission.