Pediatria pre prax 5/2008

COMMONLY MISSED INFECTION- PERTUSSIS

Because of the routine vaccination pertussis became a second-line infection. However Bordetella pertussis was not eliminated from the environment. It causes atypical mild infection in teen agers and adults who are the source for susceptible infants. An active surveillance is necessary, correct diagnosis of these infections enables timely targeted antibiotic treatment. It is necessary to consider application of the booster dose of pertussis vaccine in adolescent to decrease the risk of exposed population.

Keywords: pertussis, whooping cough, vaccination, acellular vaccine