CASE BASED REVIEW OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Bordetella pertussis
Dr Tadayo Hashimoto M.D.
Professor
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Is whooping cough childhood disease?
- In general, yes, but, anyone who has a low level of antibodies is susceptible to whooping cough. There is some evidence that even naturally acquired immunity does not result in lifelong protection.
- The high susceptibility of new-born may reflect a low level of antibody in adults and lack of passive transfer to the infant at birth.
- In partially immune individuals or in those who took antibiotic medication , symptoms are often atypical.
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