[Improvement of pertussis diagnostics in adults with prolonged cough].

AIM: To study clinical and laboratory data and levels of IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA and IgM to Bordetella pertussis complex of antigens in adults with prolonged cough.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Antibody levels to Bordetella pertussis complex of antigens were measured by solid phase immunoenzyme assay. Clinical and laboratory methods included CBC, chest X-ray, measurement of respiratory function, allergologic tests.

RESULTS

In 16 out of 75 studied patients (21%) serological signs that are characteristic for current pertussis infection (increased levels of specific IgG and IgA as well as IgG1 - IgG3 - IgG2 - IgG4 type of distribution of specific IgG subclasses) were observed. Clinical and laboratory parameters--course of disease, characteristics of cough, results of CBC--corresponded to diagnosis of pertussis. In other studied patients levels of specific antibodies did not differ from levels observed in healthy persons and observed clinical signs corresponded to other respiratory diseases.

CONCLUSION

Obtained results prove the high incidence of pertussis in adults, its essential importance as etiologic factor of prolonged cough and high informative value of serologic tests.