Pertussis and Persistent Cough: Practical, Clinical and Epidemiologic Issues

Pertussis

“…Cases involving adolescents and adults are certainly underestimated as are mild/asymptomatic cases in immunized subjects. 37 In the light of available data, an innovative approach to pertussis epidemiological surveillance should be adopted, including a comprehensive systematic evaluation of surveillance, laboratory and vaccine coverage data, as well as the use of contact matrices, the conduction of specific studies on adolescents and adults/elderly, increased use of molecular tests, the consequent evaluation of molecular epidemiology and the use of mathematical modelling.…”

Cough: Differential diagnosis and rational pharmacotherapy

“…Подо-стрый («постинфекционный») кашель чаще всего обусловлен гиперреактивностью бронхов вследствие перенесенной вирусной или вирусноподобной (Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae) инфекции. Недооцененной причиной подострого кашля у взрослых может также быть коклюш [16].…”

The seroprevalence ofBordetella pertussisantibodies in adolescents in the Western Cape

“…1 Although the highest reported rate of pertussis infection is still in infants, up to 44% of infections now occur in adolescents and adults, even in countries with high vaccine coverage and low mortality. [1][2][3][4][5] However, many cases are undiagnosed and underreported 6 as a prolonged cough may often be the only manifestation of pertussis infection. 7 Despite high vaccination rates and effective vaccines worldwide, pertussis is still estimated to cause 295 000-390 000 deaths annually in lower socio-economic countries.…”

“…These safety concerns prompted the development of the diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine. 5,6,11 Extensive vaccination studies in the USA revealed that the DTwP vaccine provided longer-lasting protection, while DTaP only provides adequate protection levels for between four and 15 years, following complete vaccination. This results in a susceptible population in mid-adolescence.…”

“…This results in a susceptible population in mid-adolescence. 1,2,[4][5][6] When the DTwP vaccine was introduced in South Africa in 1950, it was immediately followed by a marked decline in reported morbidity and mortality as a result of pertussis infection. However, isolated cases were still reported, which mainly affected the very young.…”