Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction–Based Detection of Bordetella pertussis in Mexican Infants and Their Contacts: A 3-Year Multicenter Study

Objectives To evaluate the usefulness of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as a diagnostic method for the detection of Bordetella pertussis in hospitalized patients aged . Study design This was a prospective, multicenter study of infants aged B pertussis detection and symptoms in household contacts of patients diagnosed with pertussis were studied. Results A total of 286 patients were included; of these, 67.1% had B pertussis and 4.5% had Bordetella spp. Complications occurred in 20% of patients, and the mortality rate was 6.7%. Of 434 contacts studied, 111 were mothers of study infants, representing the most frequently B pertussis– infected group and the main symptomatic contact. Conclusion The use of RT-PCR permits improved detection and diagnosis of pertussis and a better understanding of the epidemiology of sources of infection. The complications and mortality rate of pertussis continue to be high. Household contacts are confirmed as a frequent source of infection of B pertussis in young children.