Usefulness of Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis in Assessing Nosocomial Transmission of Pertussis

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Abstract
During a 2-week period, three infants with a cough lasting at least 8 days with whoops, were admitted to the pediatric unit; Bordetella pertussis was isolated from nasopharyngeal aspirates collected from the three infants. Approximately 1 week later, a nurse working on the same unit developed influenza-like symptoms followed by whooping cough; B pertussis was isolated. Isolates from the nurse and from one of the infants were shown to be indistinguishable by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. These data demonstrate that B pertussis transmission to healthcare workers is possible and emphasize the need to use respiratory protection devices (Droplet Precautions) for healthcare workers having close contact with infected children.