Bordetella bronchiseptica Pneumonia in a Patient with Down Syndrome: A Case Report and Review

Abstract

Bordetella bronchiseptica is primarily an animal pathogen, responsible for canine tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) and bronchopneumonia, as well as porcine atrophic rhinitis and otitis media. It readily colonizes the upper respiratory tract and oropharynx of these species.1 This organism rarely has been recognized as a human pathogen, causing mild upper respiratory tract infections in animal caretakers,1 subacute bacterial endocarditis,2 and a pertussis-like illness in children.3 Although asymptomatic nosocomial colonization of humans occurs,4 it also has been reported in immunocompromised Patients as a cause of sepsis,5 peritonitis,6 bronchitis,4,7 and pneumonia.4,8-13 To date, seven cases of human B bronchiseptica pneumonia have been reported in the literature with five of these occurring in immunocompromised patients.