Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella parapertussis

Gram Stain

• Gram negative coccoid bacilli small - nonfermenter

Clinical Significance

These organisms cause pertussis (whooping cough).

B. pertussis infection is highly contagious and transmitted via droplets. Adults and adolescents often transmit the infection as immunity in vaccinated individuals wanes with time.

These organisms require specialized media to grow in culture and can readily be detected by molecular methods.

B. parapertussis is associated with a milder clinical course and shorter duration of symptoms and may cause infection in certain animals (B. pertussis is considered a strictly human pathogen).

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

Prophylaxis should be given to close contacts (within 14 days of first contact).  Refer to Prophylaxis for Contacts of Communicable Diseases, Pertussis.