In accordance with the current epidemiological situation and the increased number of people suffering from whooping cough, “Torlak” Institute made available its diagnostic capacities and introduced the RT-PCR testing service for:
• Bordetella pertussis
• Bordetella parapertussis
• Bordetella bronchiseptica
Whooping cough is a disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which causes an infection of the respiratory system, primarily in children. It is manifested by a disease called whooping cough, due to the dominant symptom of the disease. The disease begins with a runny nose, fever and malaise, followed by coughing that occurs in attacks, followed by wheezing and “roaring”. Encephalitis, pneumonia and otitis media can develop as the most serious complication of the disease.
The most infectious period is the initial stage of the disease, which develops after incubation that lasts 7-10 days and when it is easiest to prove the cause of the disease. Laboratory confirmation of infection is established by the RT-PCR method, in the first 28 days from the onset of infection, when the presence of genetic material of the bacteria is proven in a nasopharyngeal swab or nasal wash. The diagnosis can also be made by proving the presence of antibodies to Bordetella pertussis toxin in the patient’s serum. This is the method of choice after 14 days of symptom onset. RT-PCR testing can be done at the “Torlak” Institute, upon personal request, upon payment of the analysis at the Institute’s cash desk. The reception clinic is open every working day from 8AM to 3PM.
We remind you that the best prevention against whooping cough is timely and complete immunization of children with Bordetella pertussis vaccine.
