Predictors of Pertussis Polymerase Chain Reaction Positive Results in Minnesota, 2005-2009.

Predictors of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity for pertussis were assessed using Minnesota active surveillance data. Report of an exposure to pertussis and testing within the optimal time frame of ≤2 weeks were significantly associated with testing PCR positive, emphasizing the importance of asking about epidemiological factors when assessing patients for pertussis, and timely PCR testing.