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Pertussis in adulthood
Author(s) -
Poirrier AnneLise,
GillardTromme Noelle,
Lefebvre Philippe P.,
ElShazly Amr
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.20566
Subject(s) - medicine , bordetella pertussis , whooping cough , epidemiology , pediatrics , vaccination , disease , immunology , genetics , bacteria , biology
Whooping cough is resurgent in the developed world. Systematic vaccination has changed its epidemiology, with the majority of cases now primarily affecting adolescents and adults. A 46‐year‐old male physiotherapist presented with a 1‐week history of bothersome cough and respiratory difficulties, and a 51‐year‐old man was admitted to the emergency department with a 4‐week history of increasing cough and dyspnea. Polymerase chain reaction of nasopharyngeal swab were positive for Bordetella pertussis . These cases illustrate pertussis in adulthood. We review the clinical features, the prevalence, the diagnostic tools, and the management of the patients and their relatives to increase awareness of this highly contagious disease. Laryngoscope, 2009