Serological evidence of pertussis in patients presenting with cough in general practice in Birmingham.

摘要: Three hundred and fifty-six patients in a large suburban practice (registered population 10,400), were diagnosed clinically with acute laryngitis/tracheitis or whooping cough (acute spasmodic of three weeks duration) between March 1996 November 1997. Forty out 145 who provided specimens for serological testing had evidence recent infection Bordetella pertussis. During the study further 18 (mostly younger presented early) diagnosis pertussis confirmed by culture. Fifty-eight cases this time period was equivalent to an annual incidence 330 per 100,000, whereas statutory notifications England Wales suggested less than 4 100,000 same period. Whooping remains important cause respiratory illness all age groups. These results are reminder general practitioners be alert prompt reconsider national vaccination policy.