In adults, especially those vaccinated, lymphocytosis is rare. Definitive culture diagnosis is not always possible. Blood culture results uniformly are negative. An immediately plated, deep, nasopharyngeal swabbing grown for 1 week in Bordet-Gengou agar typically is considered to be the criterion standard of diagnosis. Currently, the DFA studies provide the majority of case confirmations, along with a consistent history.
Results can be available within minutes.
Antibiotics - Empiric antimicrobial therapy must be comprehensive and should cover all likely pathogens in the context of the clinical setting. Erythromycin estolate is the antibiotic of choice to prevent interpersonal transfer. Effective in reducing the course and symptoms if initiated within the first 10-14 d but is not proven beyond this period. For treatment of staphylococcal and streptococcal infections. Inhibits bacterial growth by inhibiting synthesis of dihydrofolic acid.