Detection of Bordetella pertussis using a PCR test in infants younger than one year old hospitalized with whooping cough in five Peruvian hospitals. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Castillo, María Esther; Bada, Carlos; del Aguila, Olguita; Petrozzi-Helasvuo, Verónica; Casabona-Ore, Verónica; Reyes, Isabel; del Valle-Mendoza, Juana
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 41(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 36
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Bordetella pertussis -- Whooping cough -- PCR -- Peru; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2015.10.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: We performed PCR testing for Bordetella pertussis in 392 infants under 1 year old diagnosed with whooping cough. PCR is a sensitive and specific technique for the diagnosis of B. pertussis . Children under 3 months of age are the most vulnerable population for B. pertussis infections and related complications. Adults are identified as the most frequent household contact for B. pertussis . Summary: Objectives: To report the incidence, epidemiology, and clinical features of Bordetella pertussis in Peruvian infants under 1 year old. Patients and methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in five hospitals in Peru from January 2010 to July 2012. A total of 392 infants under 1 year old were admitted with a clinical diagnosis of whooping cough and tested for B. pertussis by PCR. Results: The pertussis toxin and IS 481 genes were detected in 39.54% (155/392) of the cases. Infants aged less than 3 months were the most affected, with a prevalence of 73.55% (114/155). The most common household contact was the mother, identified in 20% (31/155) of cases. Paroxysm of coughing (89.03%, 138/155), cyanosis (68.39%, 106/155), respiratory distress (67.09%, 104/155), and breastfeeding difficulties (39.35%, 61/155) were the most frequent symptoms reported. Conclusion: An increase in pertussis cases has been reported in recent years in Peru, despite national immunization efforts. Surveillance with PCR for B. pertussis is essential, especially in infants less than 1 year old, in whom a higher rate of disease-related complications and higher mortality have been reported.