-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
respiratory system
pertussis
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition:
(Whooping cough)
An acute, highly communicable bacterial disease, characterized by paroxysmal or spasmodic cough that usually ends in a prolonged, high-pitched, crowing inspiration (the whoop).

etiology: Bordatella pertussis, a small gram-negative coccobacillus. Transmission is by aspiration of bacteria sprayed into air by patient.

signs and symptoms

signs and symptoms:
Incubation period: 7-14 days;
• Upper respiratory inflammation with increased mucus secretion which is initially serous and later mucoid.
• Initial stage: nocturnal cough and upper respiratory infection symptoms.
• Fever is rare.
• Paroxysmal stage: 5-15 rapidly consecutive coughs followed by a whoop.

lab findings:
• marked increase in WBC
• (+) cultures from nasopharyngeal swab or cough plate
• fluorescent antibody testing or culture of catarrhal smear is definitive.

course and prognosis

6 week duration which is divided into:
Catarrhal stage; 10-14 days
Paroxysmal stage; until 4th week
Convalescent stage; ends about 6th week

It usually resolves spontaneously. Complications include atelectasis or superimposed bronchopneumonia.

differential diagnosis

• bronchitis
• influenza
• tuberculosis
• viral infections


footnotes