A familiar agent in the etiology of cough in adults: Bordetella Pertussis

Abstract

Aim: Pertussis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pneumonia that does not resolve clinically, radiologically, or laboratory in adults. This report aims to identify factors that predispose individuals to viral infections, particularly in elderly patients and those with underlying cardiopulmonary diseases.

Methods: We present cases of pneumonia associated with Bordetella pertussis infection in two women with cardiopulmonary disease, two healthy women, and one man with COPD. All patients except the healthy women were hospitalized.

Results: Two female patients (one a teacher, the other with a travel history) with no prior medical conditions presented with persistent cough, and Bordetella pertussis was detected on respiratory tract PCR. Two other female patients, both over 65 years of age, with diagnoses of coronary artery disease, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation, presented with high fever, shortness of breath, and cough; they were admitted for treatment due to hypoxemia. The last patient, diagnosed with COPD, presented to the emergency department with a persistent cough and shortness of breath. A thoracic CT scan revealed bilateral ground-glass opacities, and he was isolated. All patients, both those admitted and those followed up on an outpatient basis, experienced complete resolution of their symptoms and improvement in their radiology.

Conclusion: When making a differential diagnosis for cough in adults, pertussis infection should be considered. Although children under the age of seven should get the diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine, people over 65, particularly those with underlying cardiovascular disorders, should be considered for immunization.