Overview
- The National Institute reported on Nov. 22 that laboratory analysis of patient samples collected from July to September showed about 80% of Bordetella pertussis isolates were resistant to antibiotics.
- Infection control officials said resistant infections are already widespread nationwide and advised clinicians to factor resistance into empirical treatment decisions.
- Genetic analysis found the isolates resembled a strain that circulated in China last year, raising the possibility of international introduction via travelers.
- The findings complicate standard therapy because resistance cannot be determined quickly for individual patients at the point of care.
- The results come during a record year for pertussis cases, and reporting notes reduced population immunity after COVID-19 precautions as a contributor to susceptibility.