Rapid Diagnosis of a Family Cluster of Pertussis Starting from a Child: a Case Report.

BACKGROUND

Pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis (B. pertussis), is a highly transmissible, acute respiratory disease that occurs in many countries. Diagnosis of pertussis continues to be a challenge using traditional tests due to their turn-around time and sensitivity. Herein, we rapidly and accurately screened a family cluster of pertussis from a child and her mother.

METHODS

We used an automated nested multiplex PCR system which included B. pertussis, influenza A virus, and 19 other respiratory pathogens.

RESULTS

We detected B. pertussis, influenza A virus H1-2009 (FluA-2009), adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the child, and the mother of the child was positive for B. pertussis and FluA-2009.

CONCLUSIONS

Active and timely screening for pertussis of adult family members should be considered. The detection of multiple respiratory pathogens may guide effective antibiotic therapies. This could be a novel test for the prevention of pertussis.