The circulation of whooping cough in Europe has accelerated since the last quarter of 2023.
Around twenty clusters since the start of the year, compared to two in 2023 in France. Whooping cough is not a notifiable disease, butmust be reported to the ARS when cluster cases occur (from 2), intra-family or community.
The biological diagnosis of whooping cough is based on a Specific PCR by nasopharyngeal swab (or aspiration), the sensitivity of which is high during the first 2 to 3 weeks of coughing.
Consequently, the PCR is covered by social security only
if the subject has been vaccinated for more than three years or in the event of unknown vaccination status and
if the cough has lasted less than three weeks.
If the cough has lasted for more than 3 weeks or if the subject has been vaccinated for less than three years, no examination is carried out because there is a risk of a false negative. The diagnosis is then based on the clinic and on the biological diagnosis of possible more recent contact cases.
As a reminder, pertussis serodiagnosis is no longer recommended and was replaced by PCR at NABM on February 15, 2011. Consequently, the prescription of pertussis serology will lead to the performance of a PCR if treatment applies.
Outside of the context provided for by social security, please specify on the order that you wish
carrying out the exam Out of Nomenclature (HN) or Not Reimbursed (NR).
This will facilitate our dialogue with the patient.
