BMJ Best Practice Podcast Pertussis
Oct 16, 2025
Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, a leading expert in vaccines and infectious diseases, dives into the critical topic of pertussis. He discusses the clinical features, from the hallmark whooping cough to severe cases in infants. Pollard elaborates on the nuances of diagnosing the disease, the importance of timely PCR tests, and the role of antibiotics in treatment. He also highlights the significance of vaccination strategies, including maternal immunization, while addressing concerns about vaccine effectiveness and declining uptake. A must-listen for those eager to understand pertussis better!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Cough Duration And Age-Dependent Severity
- Pertussis causes a prolonged cough and can be particularly severe in young infants who may become apneic.
- Older children and vaccinated people can still cough for months but usually have milder illness.
Use History First, PCR Early
- Rely on history: suspect pertussis when cough lasts more than three weeks.
- Use PCR on early nose swabs for confirmation within the first few weeks of illness.
Early Coryzal Phase Is Key For Transmission
- The illness often begins as an indistinct coryzal phase with runny nose before coughing starts.
- That early phase is the window where antibiotics can reduce transmission if given promptly.