Pneumonia associated with Bordetella pertussis infection in a 16-year-old boy

Bordetella pertussis infection is often regarded by clinicians as a childhood illness, and the diagnosis may not be considered when adults present with respiratory symptoms. However, there is evidence that B. pertussis infection is considerably underdiagnosed in adults, who are susceptible as a result of waning immunity, and in whom the presentation may not be typical. Here, a case of an adolescent who was admitted to hospital with pneumonia due to B. pertussis infection is presented. Aspects of clinical presentation, diagnosis and epidemiology are discussed.