How is pertussis diagnosed in adults?

How is pertussis diagnosed in adults?

Doctors usually diagnose whooping cough by taking a swab of mucus from the back of the throat or nose. They may also order a blood test. Early treatment is important, because it can help prevent the spread of disease to other people, especially infants, who are highly susceptible to the illness.

Do adults get pertussis?

What to know about whooping cough in adults. Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious condition. This infection is most common in infants, but people of all ages can contract it. Whooping cough symptoms tend to be less severe in adults than in children.

What are the CDC recommendations for adults ages 19 64 pertussis?

For adults age 19 through 64 years, either brand of Tdap may be used. Adults age 65 years or older should be vaccinated with Boostrix, if feasible. However, either vaccine administered to a person age 65 years or older is immunogenic and would provide protection. A dose of either vaccine would be considered valid.

Is pertussis easily diagnosed?

Clinicians commonly use several types of laboratory tests to diagnose Bordetella pertussis. Scientists consider culture the gold standard because it is the only 100% specific method for identification. Other tests that can be performed include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serology.

What is the incubation period of pertussis?

The incubation period of pertussis is commonly 7–10 days, with a range of 4–21 days, and rarely may be as long as 42 days. The clinical course of the illness is divided into three stages.

What is the mode of transmission of pertussis?

Pertussis spreads from person to person. People with pertussis usually spread the disease to another person by coughing or sneezing or when spending a lot of time near one another where you share breathing space.

How long can you test positive for pertussis?

You should test with PCR from NP specimens taken at 0 to 3 weeks following cough onset. PCR may also provide accurate results for up to 4 weeks. After the fourth week of cough, the amount of bacterial DNA in the nasopharynx rapidly diminishes, which increases the risk of obtaining falsely-negative results.

How contagious is pertussis in adults?

Pertussis is contagious for up to three weeks after symptoms begin. One person infected with pertussis can transmit the illness to many other people. Older adults are also at risk of complications of pertussis because of changes that happen to their immune system as they get older.

Is pertussis viral or bacterial?

Pertussis, a respiratory illness commonly known as whooping cough, is a very contagious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis.