Get a FREE copy of the version 3.0 reader software . Pertussis is a potentially serious vaccine-preventable disease. Many clinicians are unaware that pertussis is common in adults, and that adults are a major reservoir of the disease in the United States. Results of relevant articles were compiled into a narrative review. Studies have shown that sporadic cases of pertussis in adults are common in a variety of clinical settings.
Patients typically present with a prolonged cough illness preceded by upper respiratory symptoms.
Widespread outbreaks of pertussis occasionally occur in high schools, college campuses, and healthcare settings. The diagnosis and treatment of adults with pertussis are reviewed. Pertussis infection, because of waning immunity, is common in adults. Routine booster immunization of adults with the newer acellular vaccine may lead to the elimination of the disease in both children and adults. However, pertussis is unlikely to be considered in the differential diagnosis when the parent of this infant has a prolonged cough.