Pertussis. Presentation, investigation and management

Abstract

Background: Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly infectious, preventable disease, which causes significant morbidity and mortality.

Objective: This article discusses the presentations, investigations and management of cases and their contacts.

Discussion: Maternal antibody does not confer protection to the infant so babies are particularly at risk of infection and complications until they have completed the primary course of vaccinations at 2, 4 and 6 months of age. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, but can be confirmed with immunofluorescence on nasopharyngeal aspirate or nasal swab. Recent changes to the Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule include the removal of the 18 month dose of DTPa and the addition of an adult formulation booster vaccination at 15-17 years of age.