Highlights & Basics
- Pertussis (whooping cough) is an acute infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. Toxins and other factors produced by the bacteria are responsible for clinical manifestations.
- With the resurgence of pertussis in highly vaccinated populations, the disease continues to be a public health and medical concern.
- Pertussis classically progresses through three identifiable stages: catarrhal, paroxysmal, and convalescent. Initial symptoms suggesting a mild upper respiratory tract infection are followed by episodes of severe coughing, often accompanied by an inspiratory whoop and posttussive emesis. Cough may persist for weeks. Fever is absent or low-grade.
- Previously vaccinated or infected individuals often have milder disease. Illness in infants may be atypical and is associated with high rates of hospitalization and death. Pneumonia and hospitalizations for pertussis are also more common in older adults and people with pre-existing pulmonary disease.
- The diagnosis is confirmed by identification of B pertussis by culture or nucleic acid amplification from nasopharyngeal specimens, or by serology.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
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Kilgore PE, Salim AM, Zervos MJ, et al. Pertussis: microbiology, disease, treatment, and prevention. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2016 Jul;29(3):449-86.[Abstract][Full Text]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Yellow Book 2024: health information for international travel. Section 5: travel-associated infections & diseases - pertussis/whooping cough. May 2023 [internet publication].[Full Text]
American Academy of Pediatrics. Red book 2024-2027: report of the committee on infectious diseases. May 2024 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Liang JL, Tiwari T, Moro P, et al. Prevention of pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria with vaccines in the United States: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2018 Apr 27;67(2):1-44.[Abstract][Full Text]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clinical overview of pertussis. Apr 2024 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infection control in healthcare personnel: epidemiology and control of selected infections transmitted among healthcare personnel and patients. Apr 2024 [internet publication].[Full Text]
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