Spectrum of activity:
Transmission route:
Hygiene measures:
The incubation period for an infection with Bordetella pertussis is usually 7 to 10 days. The disease typically progresses in three stages.
The first stage, known as the catarrhal stage, resembles a common upper respiratory tract infection and is characterised by a runny nose, a mild cough, sneezing and a slight fever. As the symptoms in this phase are non-specific, pertussis often goes unrecognised, even though infected individuals are already highly contagious and contribute significantly to the further spread of the disease [4, 1].
After one to two weeks, the disease progresses to the paroxysmal stage. In this phase, severe, uncontrollable coughing fits occur repeatedly, which may be accompanied by the characteristic whooping sound on inhalation. The violent coughing fits can lead to vomiting, sleep disturbances, breathing difficulties and severe exhaustion. In young infants , the typical wheezing is often absent. Instead, apnoea and cyanosis may occur, making pertussis particularly dangerous in this age group [3, 4].
The final stage, the convalescence phase, is characterised by a gradual decrease in the frequency and severity of the coughing fits. However, recovery is often protracted, and coughing fits may continue for weeks or even months, particularly following secondary respiratory tract infections. Due to this prolonged course, pertussis is often referred to as the ‘100-day cough’ [4, 5].
Humans are the only known reservoir of Bordetella pertussis. Transmission occurs mainly via respiratory droplets released when coughing, sneezing or speaking. The bacterium spreads very efficiently through close interpersonal contact and is therefore frequently transmitted within families, in schools, nurseries and healthcare settings. As the initial symptoms resemble those of a common cold, infected individuals often spread the pathogen unnoticed before a diagnosis is made [6, 4].
Contagiousness is highest during the early catarrhal stage and in the first few weeks after the onset of the cough. Without antibiotic treatment, infected individuals may remain infectious for up to three weeks after the onset of the characteristic cough. Early antimicrobial therapy can significantly shorten the duration of contagiousness and help to curb further spread [2].
Pertussis occurs worldwide and, despite the availability of vaccines, remains a significant infectious disease. Humans are the only known reservoir of the pathogen. Transmission occurs primarily via respiratory droplets during close contact between people. Due to the non-specific early symptoms, the disease is often already spreading before a diagnosis is made [3].
Vaccination is the most effective measure for preventing pertussis and its complications. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends routine immunisation of children with pertussis-containing vaccines from early infancy, as well as booster doses in accordance with national vaccination guidelines. In many countries, vaccination during pregnancy is also recommended, as maternal antibodies provide passive protection to newborns during the first few months of life, before the primary immunisation course can be completed [3].
Further preventive measures include a high vaccination coverage rate in the population, the timely administration of booster doses, and diagnosis as early as possible. People with suspected or confirmed pertussis should observe respiratory hygiene measures, avoid close contact with particularly vulnerable individuals such as infants, and receive appropriate antibiotic treatment where indicated. These measures reduce both the transmission of the disease and the risk of outbreaks in community settings and healthcare facilities [6, 4].
From a hygiene perspective, hand disinfection and surface disinfection using products with proven bactericidal efficacy can help prevent infection in healthcare settings. Although pertussis is primarily transmitted via respiratory droplets, appropriate hygiene measures form an important part of comprehensive prevention strategies [2].
Use PPE in a targeted and situational manner. Depending on the risk of contamination, gloves, protective gowns, face masks or safety goggles may be required, regardless of the pathogen.
Examples: Contact with blood, secretions/excretions, extensive wound care
Use disposable med. gloves and protective gowns. Depending on the pathogen and clinical picture, protective goggles and a face mask may also be required.
Examples: MRSA, Clostridioides difficile
Use disposable med. gloves, protective gowns and face mask. Depending on the pathogen and clinical picture, protective goggles may also be required.
Example: Whooping cough
Use disposable med. gloves, protective gown, respirator (e. g. FFP-2). Depending on the pathogen and clinical picture, protective goggles may be required.
Examples: Overt tuberculosis of the respiratory tract, measles
Generally use of blower protection suits.
Examples: Ebola, Marburg virus
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