Bordetella pertussis in a neonatal intensive care unit: identification of the mother as the likely source

Neonatal pertussis: an emerging issue of concern

“…3–5 The literature on pertussis in neonates is limited to a few case reports and a small case series. 2,4,8–16…”

“…[3][4][5] The literature on pertussis in neonates is limited to a few case reports and a small case series. 2,4,[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] In view of non-specific signs and symptoms, the diagnosis needs to be confirmed by specific testing using either culture or PCR on nasopharyngeal secretions. 2 PCR has good sensitivity (61%-94%) and specificity (88%-98%) and results are available earlier than culture.…”

“…5–7 Moreover, increased awareness, early suspicion and availability of better diagnostic tests (principally, polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) may be contributing to a resurgence in notification of pertussis in young infants. 2–4,8–16 The presentation is often atypical and lacks the classic signs and symptoms such as the ‘whoop’. The common presenting features include cough, low grade fever, respiratory distress, feeding difficulty, vomiting, apnoea, cyanosis, seizures and encephalopathy.…”

“…The resurgence of pertussis is noted in infants and young children. 2–4,8–17 We wish to make emergency physicians aware of the clinical suspicion, diagnosis, treatment and anticipated complications of neonatal pertussis.…”

Pertussis

“…Notwithstanding this, vaccine coverage for this immunization, as well as for others in this category, is modest. 116 Pertussis transmission in hospitals is widely documented, 117,118 and the consequences associated with outbreaks described in the medical literature are important. Immunization of healthcare staff aims at preventing outbreaks within the hospital setting as well as ensuring functioning of healthcare staff also in case of emergency.…”