Abstract

GASPAR, Mariana et al. Classic pertussis infection in a two-year-old child with complete primary immunization. Nascer e Crescer [online]. 2023, vol.32, n.4, pp.314-317.  Epub Dec 31, 2023. ISSN 0872-0754.  https://doi.org/10.25753/birthgrowthmj.v32.i4.26495.

Pertussis infection, or "whooping cough," is a highly contagious but vaccine-preventable respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. It can affect people of all ages, but is usually more severe in young infants. Despite high vaccination coverage worldwide, this infection remains a problem. Pertussis infection is spread by aerosolized droplets and the clinical presentation can vary with age and immunity. The classic presentation includes cough paroxysms, inspiratory whoop, and post-tussive vomiting. Laboratory confirmation is not necessary for diagnosis and should not delay treatment.

The authors present the case of a healthy two-year-old girl with a one-month history of dry paroxysmal cough with inspiratory whoop who was admitted to the Emergency Department for loss of consciousness during a coughing episode.

This case is intended to raise awareness of severe, life-threatening pertussis infection in children with complete primary immunization who present with respiratory symptoms consistent with this infection.

Keywords : Bordetella pertussis; complete primary immunization; inspiratory whoop; paroxysms of coughing; pertussis infection.

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