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Acute Bordetella pertussis infection in an adult

S Smith1, R C Tilton

  • 1King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Paget, Bermuda.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|February 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Adults can contract Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough) from immunized children. While vaccination may not prevent infection, it can lessen disease severity in adults.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness.
  • While typically considered a childhood disease, adult pertussis is increasingly recognized.

Observation:

  • A case of Bordetella pertussis transmission from an immunized child to an adult family member is reported.
  • The adult presented with acute pertussis symptoms, despite the child's immunization status.

Findings:

  • Bordetella pertussis infection was confirmed in the adult through direct-fluorescent antibody staining of sputum and culture on Regan-Lowe medium.
  • Serological tests further supported the diagnosis of acute pertussis in the adult.
  • This case highlights that immunization may not completely prevent pertussis infection but can mitigate its severity.

Implications:

  • Adults can serve as a reservoir for Bordetella pertussis transmission, even from immunized children.
  • Healthcare providers should consider pertussis in adults presenting with respiratory symptoms, especially with known exposure.
  • The findings underscore the importance of ongoing pertussis surveillance and booster vaccinations in all age groups to reduce transmission and disease burden.

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