Pertussis: an old disease that is still with us.

摘要: Our knowledge of pathogenesis, clinical presentation and prevention pertussis has improved substantially over recent years. We now better understand the function long-known virulence factors for Bordetella pertussis, genome sequencing identified a multitude new proteins; their functions are yet to be elucidated. Furthermore, diagnostic tools have revealed broad spectrum disease, insights into host's immune response been gained. Finally, development, evaluation, licensing implementation several acellular vaccines with high acceptance changed epidemiology in many countries (i.e. shift towards an increasing burden disease adolescent persons adults). These developments likely great impact on daily practice not only paediatricians, but also general practitioners, internists, gynaecologists other specialists adult medicine. The present review provides update progress.