Bordetella pertussis PCR

Bordetella pertussis PCR is a "real-time" PCR assay that is more sensitive and able to provide a more rapid result than conventional culture (which is now discontinued).

The bacterium from this highly contagious disease is shed in greatest numbers in the early coryzal phase of the illness before the characteristic "whoop" develops. The number of bacteria then exponentially diminishes over athree week period (or as soon as 5-7 days, if erythromycin treatment is initiated at an early stage.

The PCR assay by virtue of its inherent sensitivity and the ability to also detect non-viable antibiotic affected organisms provides an improved rate of detection over culture particularly in patients (such as adults) who may present late or who have received prior antibiotic treatment.