The First Reported Case of Bordetella pertussis Bacteremia in a Patient With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Abstract

We describe a case of bacteremia in a human immunodeficiency virus–infected patient caused by a Bordetella pertussis strain lacking 2 major virulence factors, filamentous hemagglutinin and fimbriae. Although B pertussis bacteremia is uncommon, physicians should be aware that even attenuated B pertussis strains can cause invasive infection in immunocompromised patients. Bordetella pertussis is a gram-negative coccobacillus that causes a severe paroxysmal coughing disease known as whooping cough or pertussis. Bordetella pertussis colonizes the epithelial cells of the human respiratory tract, and the organisms are typically isolated from nasopharynx. We describe a case of B pertussis bacteremia in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Interestingly, the isolate recovered from blood culture did not produce the major virulence factors, filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) and fimbriae (FIM). Previously, 3 cases of B pertussis bacteremia were reported in the literature. We discuss the features of B pertussis bacteremia.

Invasive Bordetella pertussis Infection in Infants: A Case Report

“…Bordetella pertussis colonizes the epithelial cells of the human respiratory tract and is usually isolated from the nasopharynx. Invasive infection caused by B pertussis has rarely been reported thus far, with only 4 cases of B pertussis bacteremia in adult patients with immunocompromised diseases (1 had granulomatosis with polyangiitis, 2 had multiple myeloma, and 1 had human immunodeficiency virus infection) [ 6 ]. All patients suffered from paroxysmal cough and presented clinical manifestations of pneumonia.…”

“…All patients suffered from paroxysmal cough and presented clinical manifestations of pneumonia. Bordetella pertussis in nasopharyngeal specimens, BALF, or lung biopsy samples was detected by PCR, and bacteremia was confirmed by a positive blood culture of B pertussis [ 6 ]. In our reported case, B pertussis was first observed in the patient's nasopharyngeal specimen by targeted multiplex real-time PCR and was further detected in blood and CSF by m-NGS.…”