Introduction

Pertussis
Also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection
caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis spreads easily from
person to person mainly through droplets produced by coughing or sneezing.
 Pertussis
Bordetella pertussis is a fastidious gram-negative
coccobacillus responsible for the respiratory infection
commonly known as “whooping cough” it's marked
by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched
intake of breath that sounds like "whoop." The
organism is spread by respiratory droplets and is
highly contagious among close contacts. The typical
incubation period is 7 to 10 days, but it may be as
long as 21 days.
Anatomy and Physiology
 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Droplet nuclei containing B.pertussis are inhaled

Adherence & rapid multiplication on cilia of resp.epithelium of nasopharynx,trachea & bronchi

Liberation of toxins(PT,TCT) & other substances…(FHA,AC)

Paralyse cilia causing insitu of natural defences of resp.tract

secondary infections

Irritate cells Excessive secretions Cough & catarrhal sympt

Necrosis with polymorphonuclear

obstruction of bronchioles

infiltration ATELECTASIS

Interstitial pneumonia,bronchopneumonia diminished oxygenation

contributes to↑frequency of convulsions in patient

 Epidemiology

• Historically, the incidence of pertussis peaked in children

1 to 5 years of age and was less common in those
younger than 1 year and older than 10 years.
• There has been a shift in recent decades with an
increase in the incidence among infants younger than 1
year, adolescents, and adults.

https://pedsinreview.aappublications.org/content/39/5/247
 L aboratory and Diagnostic Examinations

• A nose or throat culture test. Your health care workers takes a swab from
the area where the nose and throat meet (nasopharynx). The sample is
then checked for evidence of the presence of whooping cough bacteria or
B.pertussis.
• Blood tests. A blood sample may be drawn and sent to a lab to check your
white blood cell count, because white blood cells help the body fight
infections, such as whooping cough. A high white blood cell count typically
indicates the presence of infection or inflammation. This is a general test
and not specific for whooping cough.
• A chest X-ray. Your doctor may order an X-ray to check for the presence of
inflammation or fluid in the lungs, which can occur when pneumonia
complicates whooping cough and other respiratory infections.
 Drug of Choice

• Erythromycin
 Discharge plan

• Vaccination- DTaP and Tdap vaccines help protect against

pertussis.
• Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just
because you feel better. You need to take the full course of
antibiotics.
• Encourage to increase fluid intake to flushes bacteria and toxins
• Keep all follow-up appointments. Your healthcare provider needs
to watch your clieant’s condition closely. This is very important if
your client has another medical problem causing the pertussis
 Proposed Actions & Recommendation
• Like many respiratory illnesses, pertussis spreads by coughing and sneezing while in
close contact with others, who then breathe in the bacteria. Recommends practicing
good hygiene to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. To practice good hygiene
you should:
• Wear a mask
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Put your used tissue in the waste basket.
• Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands, if you don’t have a
tissue.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.

https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/prevention/index.html
THANK YOU