Comparison of multiplex polymerase chain reaction, culture, and serology for the diagnosis of Bordetella pertussis infection.

From the Department of Clinical Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei; Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Taoyuan. Received: Nov. 25, 2003; Accepted: Mar. 3, 2004 Address for reprints: Ms. Tsu-Lan Wu, Department of Clinical Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. 5, Fushing Street, Gueishan Shiang, Taoyuan, Taiwan 333, R.O.C. Tel.: 886-3-3281200 ext. 2736; Fax: 886-3-3971827; E-mail: wutsulan@cgmh.org.tw Pertussis is presently one of the ten most common causes of death from infectious disease worldwide. Fifty million pertussis cases and 350,000 deaths worldwide per year have been reported by the World Health Organization, mainly among unvaccinated infants and children. In Taiwan, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus combined vaccines have been offered to children Comparison of Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction, Culture, and Serology for the Diagnosis of Bordetella pertussis Infection