Most often, complications occur within the respiratory tract, and patients may develop apnea or atelectasis. Convulsions, mainly in infants. Secondary infections such as sinusitis or otitis media. A complete blood count will probably show a lymphocytosis. An elevated WBC of 15,000-20,000 is common but the level may be normal or considerably higher.
Nasopharyngeal cultures are usually positive when obtained early in the disease.
This test depends upon the binding of fluorescent-labeled antibodies to the cell surface of the target organism. Complete cultures often take 48 to 72 hours for confirmation of the presence of Bordatella pertussis within the body. Treatment Antibiotics are the first line treatment for pertussis. This is given in four divided doses for a duration of 14 days. Septra is the recommended antibiotic of choice for children.