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Pertussis in Adults
- James D. Cherry, MD
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IN RESPONSE:
The outbreak of pertussis in office personnel described by Dworkin and colleagues is of interest, and their advice is sound. In addition to polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis, single serum anti-pertussis toxin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay can be useful in the diagnosis of adult pertussis [1].
Dr. Hyman asked about the type of vaccine (monocomponent versus DTaP) I would envision for adult use. My opinion, as well as the opinion of many of my colleagues, is that an adult-formulated dTap vaccine will be necessary for the routine immunization of adolescents and adults. However, it will also be useful to have an adult-formulated ap vaccine so that adults who have recently been immunized with dT can be vaccinated without the fear of significant local reactions. Dr. Hyman also inquires about the therapeutic usefulness of newer macrolide antibiotics. Because both azithromycin and clarithromycin are as active as erythromycin against B. pertussis, successful treatment is likely [2]. However, only minimal data on efficacy are available.
James D. Cherry, MD
University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine; Los Angeles, CA 90095
The Editors welcome submissions for possible publication in the Letters section. Authors of letters should:
•Include no more than 300 words of text, three authors, and five references
•Type with double-spacing
•Send three copies of the letter, an authors' form signed by all authors, and a cover letter describing any conflicts of interest related to the contents of the letter.
Letters commenting on an Annals article will be considered if they are received within 6 weeks of the time the article was published. Only some of the letters received can be published. Published letters are edited and may be shortened; tables and figures are included only selectively. Authors will be notified that the letter has been received. If the letter is selected for publication, the author will be notified about 3 weeks before the publication date. Unpublished letters cannot be returned.
Annals welcomes electronically submitted letters.
- Copyright ©2004 by the American College of Physicians
