Pertussis is still not a completely controlled infection

Abstract

The lecture focuses on pertussis, an infection managed by specific preventive measures, which continues to threaten both child and maternal health, as well as overall healthcare system. Despite high vaccination rates, pertussis remains an “under-controlled” infection and a significant contributor to childhood morbidity and mortality. Moreover, in many countries, the incidence of pertussis is clearly rising among both children and adults, with a notable proportion of cases occurring in vaccinated individuals. This increase may be associated with changes in the antigenic structure of the pathogen, the limited duration of post-vaccination immunity, reduced vaccination coverage, and the use of more sensitive laboratory diagnostic methods. The lecture addresses modern aspects of the etiopathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pertussis. Given the rising incidence of this infection in Russia and several other countries in 2023, the information presented will be especially valuable for practitioners, particularly family doctors.