2: Infections - Pertussis Flashcards
What age group are affected by pertussis
<1-year
What can cause whooping cough
Bordtella pertussis
What type of organism is bordtella pertussis
Gram-negative
How does bordtella pertussis present clinically
- Episodes at coughing worse at night. Coughing is followed by high-pitch whooping (In infants under 6-months, may not have whooping but just apnea)
What causes whooping
- Inspiration against a closed glottis
What may persistent coughing in whooping cough cause
- Subconjunctival haemorrhage
2. Apneoa causing seizures and syncope
What is the diagnostic criteria for whooping cough
One of the following for more than two weeks:
- Paroxysms coughing
- Inspirational whooping
- Posseting (Small-Vomits)
- Undiagnosed apneoa attacks in infants
Why are blood cultures useless in whooping cough
As pertussis stays at respiratory epithelium, therefore cultures will always be negative
How is whooping cough prevented against
6-in-1
4-in-1
What is the problem with immunisations for whooping cough
Do not give lifelong protection against whooping cough, meaning individual can still get infected
When do pregnant women receive pertussis vaccine
20-32W
What is criteria for admission with whooping cough
<6 months
Respiratory distress
Is whooping cough a notifiable disease
Yes
How is whooping cough managed
Macrolide antibiotic in 21d
What timeframe can macrolides be given in
Must be within 21-days
