Identification of Etiologic Agents of the Pertussis-like Syndrome in Children by Real-time PCR Method

Abstract

The aim of this study was to recognize the identity and frequency of etiologic agents of the pertussis-like syndrome in children 6 months of age. In this study, RSV was the most frequent identified pathogen (n=20, 20%), followed by B. pertussis (n=18, 18%) and AdV (n=16, 16%). Pertussis was more frequent in spring (8%) and summer (6%). In addition, clinical symptoms of pertussis were the same as some viral pathogens, which can lead to misdiagnosis of infection. Therefore, diagnosis of pertussis should be established on the bases of both the clinical symptoms and the laboratory methods.

Keywords

• Pertussis-like syndrome
• B. pertussis
• Adenovirus
• Respiratory syncytial virus
• Human metapneumovirus
• Influenza virus A