Jenean Ahmad & Brandi Romero

Pertussis is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection. It is commonly known as whooping cough. Belongs to the family Alcaligenaceae. Produces a high pitched ‘whoop’ sound in patients. Also known in many places as the 100 Day Cough. WHAT IS PERTUSSIS?

Pertussis is caused by a gram negative coccobacillus- shaped (short rod) aerobic bacterium called Bordetella pertussis. It produces a toxin that irritates the cilia and causes inflammation. ETIOLOGY

It affects all ages but is most common in infants younger than one year. Males and females are both equally affected. It occurs year round but is most commonly seen during the fall and winter due to cold and flu season. In 2012, 113/100,000 infants younger than one year were reported in the U.S. According to CDC, 41,800 cases and 18 deaths were reported in 2012 in the U.S. EPIDEMIOLOGY According to the chart above, Pertussis seems to occur throughout the U.S. equally, but the darker green states have had an increase from The lighter green states are decreasing while the white state had no change.

A CHILD WITH PERTUSSIS

Only found in humans and is spread from person to person. It spreads through sneezing and coughing and is transmitted directly or airborne. Mostly transmitted by family members or caregivers if it is an infant. MODE OF TRANSMISSION

Pertussis starts with cold-like symptoms and mild cough or fever. Usually develops 7 to 10 days after exposure. Severe coughing begins 1-2 weeks after and may become serious if it continues. In infants, apnea (a pause in the child’s breathing patterns) may occur and could be dangerous. Other symptoms include runny nose and sneezing. SYMPTOMS

Diagnostic tests include: Samples of secretions from the back of the throat through the nose. (nasopharyngeal specimen) Blood testing Physical examination X-ray DIAGNOSIS

Usually treated with antibiotics and early treatment before it becomes severe. Several antibiotics are available (azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin and trimethoprim- sulfamethoxasole.) TREATMENT

VIDEO

The best way to prevent Pertussis is by getting the vaccine. People of all ages should get vaccinated, especially people who are around infants often. Adults 19 and older should update their vaccinations by getting a booster shot every ten years. Keep people, especially infants, away from others who are infected with Pertussis. PREVENTION/CONTROL MEASURES

1. Pertussis is caused by a _____ a. gram positive coccobacillus-shaped aerobic bacterium called Bordetella pertussis. b. gram negative coccobacillus-shaped anaerobic bacterium called Bordetella pertussis. c. gram positive coccobacillus-shaped anaerobic bacterium called Bordetella pertussis. d. gram negative coccobacillus-shaped aerobic bacterium called Bordetella pertussis. 2. The best way to prevent pertussis is ____ a. By getting vaccinated and keeping away from anyone who is infected b. Handling infants and other children without getting vaccinated c. Boil canned food prior to eating d. Washing your hands and covering your mouth 3.Pertussis in infants is most often acquired by a. Airborne through contact with coughing or sneezing particles. b. Eating undercooked or mishandled food. c. Family members or caregivers who have the disease who pass it on to infant(s). d. Transmitted from natural birth QUIZ

4. Treatment for pertussis includes a. azithromycin, bismuth, erythromycin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxasole b. amoxicillin, clarithromycin, omeprazole and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxasole c. azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxasole d. azithromycin, clarithromycin, lansoprazole and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxasole 5. Common methods of diagnosis for pertussis include: a. Nasopharyngeal specimen, stool samples, blood testing, x-ray b. Nasopharyngeal specimen, blood testing, physical examination, x-ray c. Nasopharyngeal specimen, stool samples, breath test, physical examination d. Nasopharyngeal specimen, blood testing, breath test, x-ray QUIZ - CONTINUED

1.D 2.A 3.C 4.C 5.B ANSWERS

Pertussis (Whooping Cough). (2012, May 7). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved May 1, 2014, from Pertussis. (2012, January 1). Retrieved May 1, 2014, from Bordetella pertussis. (2010, January 1). Bordetella pertussis » Gram-Negative Bacteria » Pathogen Profile Dictionary. Retrieved May 1, 2014, from PKIDs | Pertussis FAQ – Disease Vaccine Treatment. (n.d.). PKIDs | Pertussis FAQ – Disease Vaccine Treatment. Retrieved May 5, 2014, from /faq.html /faq.html REFERENCES