Bordetella parapertussis whooping cough

Similarities to Pertussis

The symptoms of B. parapertussis infection are similar to pertussis (whooping cough) but are less severe and infection may be asymptomatic [3]. This is likely due to the fact that B. parapertussis has a lower virulence factor compared to Bordetella pertussis.

Key Characteristics

• Less severe symptoms compared to pertussis
• May be asymptomatic in some cases
• Similarities in symptoms with pertussis, including cough and respiratory issues

Comparison to Pertussis

While B. parapertussis infection shares similarities with pertussis, it is generally less severe and may not cause significant illness in individuals [5]. However, it's essential to note that the severity of the disease can vary depending on individual factors.

References

• [3] The symptoms of B. parapertussis infection are similar to pertussis (whooping cough) but are less severe and infection may be asymptomatic.
• [5] While B. parapertussis infection shares similarities with pertussis, it is generally less severe and may not cause significant illness in individuals.

Similar to Pertussis, but Less Severe

The signs and symptoms of Bordetella parapertussis infection are similar to those of pertussis (whooping cough), but are typically milder. Infection may be asymptomatic.

• Prolonged Cough: Persons with B. parapertussis infection may experience prolonged cough, which can last for weeks or even months.
• Paroxysmal Cough: The coughing spells associated with B. parapertussis infection are similar to those of pertussis, but are less severe.
• Whoop: Some individuals with B. parapertussis infection may experience a whooping sound when trying to breathe in air, although this is not as common as in pertussis cases.
• Vomiting: Vomiting can occur in some cases of B. parapertussis infection.

It's worth noting that the symptoms of B. parapertussis infection are often similar to those of a cold or flu, with runny nose, sneezing, and low-grade fever being common early symptoms. However, as the infection progresses, the cough becomes more severe and prolonged.

References:

• [4] The symptoms of B. parapertussis infection are similar to those of pertussis (whooping cough) but are typically milder.
• [5] runny nose · sneezing · mild cough · low-grade fever
• [7] Cough gets worse and comes in severe fits · Cough is dry and harsh · Cough ends with a whoop sound on inspiration
• [8] Oct 26, 2022 — The symptoms of parapertussis and holmesii can be similar to a cold: sneezing, a runny nose, possibly low-grade fever, and a cough.
• [9] First there is a runny nose or congestion, sneezing, and sometimes a mild cough or fever. Then, after 1 to 2 weeks, severe coughing starts.
• [11] The presentation of pertussis, which is variable and evolves over the course of the disease, includes nonspecific symptoms in the catarrhal stage, coughing with the classic whooping in the paroxysmal stage, and persistent cough in the convalescent stage.

Diagnostic Tests for Bordetella Parapertussis Whooping Cough

Bordetella parapertussis is a bacterium that causes a respiratory disease similar to whooping cough, but generally less severe. Diagnostic tests are essential to confirm the diagnosis of this infection. Here are some diagnostic tests used to identify Bordetella parapertussis:

• Culture: Culture methods can detect and distinguish B. parapertussis from B. pertussis [4]. This test is commonly used in clinical laboratories.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): PCR testing is another method used to diagnose B. parapertussis infection [3, 9]. It provides sensitive results more rapidly than culture and doesn't require viable bacteria present in the specimen.
• Nose or Throat Culture: A nose or throat culture can also be performed to confirm the diagnosis of whooping cough caused by Bordetella parapertussis [2].

Key Criteria for PCR-Based Diagnosis

For a PCR-based diagnosis, it is essential to have:

• A correctly taken nasopharyngeal swab or nasopharyngeal aspirate
• An adequate sample volume

These diagnostic tests can help confirm the diagnosis of Bordetella parapertussis whooping cough and provide essential information for healthcare providers to make informed decisions.

References: [1] - Not available in context [2] - Sometimes, doctors can diagnose whooping cough simply by asking about symptoms and listening to the cough. Medical tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Such tests may include: A nose or throat culture and test. [3] Oct 11, 2024 — Recommended laboratory testing for pertussis diagnosis includes culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. [4] Nov 9, 2021 — Culture methods and PCR tests can detect and distinguish B. parapertussis from B. pertussis, and both are commonly tested for since the signs ... [5] Preferred diagnostic test for the detection of Bordetella pertussis or Bordetella parapertussis This test is not recommended for screening asymptomatic ... [6] Diagnosis of pertussis is based on having a high clinical index of suspicion for the infection, along with confirmation by laboratory testing. Laboratory ... [7] The key criteria for PCR-based diagnosis of a Bordetella infection are: A correctly taken nasopharyngeal swab or nasopharyngeal aspirate; An ...

Treatment Options for Bordetella Parapertussis Whooping Cough

Bordetella parapertussis is a bacterium that causes a respiratory illness similar to pertussis, also known as whooping cough. While the treatment options are similar to those for pertussis, there may be some differences in the recommended therapies.

Antibiotics

The primary treatment for Bordetella parapertussis infection is antibiotics. According to search result [6], a 14-day course of oral erythromycin is the antimicrobial therapy of choice for patients with pertussis and for close contacts, which also applies to Bordetella parapertussis.

Dosage

The recommended dose of erythromycin for use in treatment of whooping cough in children is 40 to 50 mg/kg per day (maximum 2 g/day) and in adults 1 to 2 g/day [7]. For patients under 6 months, azithromycin is the preferred choice, with a dosage of 10 mg/kg/day orally daily for 5 days [4].

Alternative Treatments

Other antibiotics that may be used to treat Bordetella parapertussis infection include clarithromycin and azithromycin. According to search result [8], children who cannot swallow tablets can take clarithromycin liquid 7.5 mg/kg/dose (max 500 mg) oral BD for 7 days.

Prevention

In addition to antibiotic treatment, prevention of Bordetella parapertussis infection is also important. This can be achieved through vaccination and good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.

References:

• [4] Search result 4
• [6] Search result 6
• [7] Search result 7
• [8] Search result 8

Differential Diagnosis of Bordetella parapertussis Whooping Cough

Bordetella parapertussis is a bacterium that causes a milder form of whooping cough, also known as pertussis. The differential diagnosis of this condition involves distinguishing it from other respiratory pathogens and diseases.

Other Respiratory Pathogens:

• Adenoviruses
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae

These pathogens can cause similar symptoms to Bordetella parapertussis, such as coughing, sneezing, and runny nose. However, the severity and duration of these symptoms can vary depending on the specific pathogen.

Clinical Features:

The clinical features of Bordetella parapertussis whooping cough include:

• Coughing spells or paroxysms
• Cyanosis (blue discoloration of the skin)
• Vomiting
• Persistent rhinorrhea (runny nose)
• Marked lymphocytosis (increased white blood cell count)

These features can be similar to those of pertussis, but are generally milder and less often fatal.

Differential Diagnosis:

The differential diagnosis of Bordetella parapertussis whooping cough includes:

• Pertussis (caused by Bordetella pertussis)
• Parapertussis (caused by Bordetella parapertussis)
• Kennel cough (caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica)

These conditions can be distinguished based on their clinical features, laboratory tests, and epidemiological characteristics.

References:

• [3] Bordetella parapertussis is one of the bacteria that causes whooping cough. However, little attention has been paid to this bacterium.
• [5] Parapertussis. This disease, caused by B. parapertussis, may be clinically indistinguishable from pertussis but is usually milder and less often fatal.
• [7] Bordetella parapertussis, responsible for a milder whooping-cough-like syndrome, and Bordetella bronchiseptica, causing kennel cough and swinal rhinitis.

Note: The numbers in square brackets refer to the search results provided in the context.