Over the last decade, substantial progress has been made in the field of pertussis research. This includes better understanding
of virulence mechanisms and their influence on the pathogenicity of
Bordetella pertussis, increased awareness of the broad spectrum of disease and more insight into the host's immune response to infection, improved
diagnostic tools, development, evaluation, introduction and implementation of several acellular pertussis vaccines and better
understanding of the epidemiology of pertussis in adolescents and adults.
Conclusion The major achievements in the field of pertussis research are reviewed and discussed. They have great impact on the current
and future practice of paediatric, adolescent and adult medicine.
Key wordsBordetella pertussis - Pertussis - Review
Received: 19 August 2000 and in revised form: 9 November 2000 / Accepted: 10 November 2000