Respiratory Case Study: Possible Pertussis Infection (Online CE Course)

(based on 151 customer ratings)

Author: Leah Ames, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM
Reviewer: Adelisa Franchitti, MS, MLS, Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM

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This course describes the clinical symptoms of Bordetella pertussis infection. Proper specimen collection and transport for diagnosis of B. pertussis along with laboratory testing procedures that aid in its diagnosis are presented. Advantages and disadvantages for each testing procedure including culture, nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT), direct fluorescent antibody staining, and serology are discussed. Treatment options for pertussis infection including available vaccines are presented in this course.

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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours (acceptable for AMT, ASCP, and state recertification): 1 hour(s)
Approved through 9/30/2024
Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel Credit Hours - General (Molecular Pathology): 1 hour(s)
Approved through 9/30/2024

Objectives

  • Identify the clinical symptoms of Bordetella pertussis infection.
  • Describe proper specimen collection and transport for diagnosis of B. pertussis.
  • Identify laboratory testing procedures that aid in the diagnosis of B. pertussis.
  • Discuss advantages and disadvantages for each testing procedure including culture, nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT), direct fluorescent antibody staining, and serology.
  • Explain the principles of NAAT testing for B. pertussis.
  • Discuss treatment options for pertussis infection.
  • Identify available vaccines that can help to prevent infection with B. pertussis.

Customer Ratings

(based on 151 customer ratings)

Course Outline

Click on the links below to preview selected pages from this course.
  • Case Presentation
      • Case Study
      • Pathogenesis and Virulence Factors
      • Epidemiology and Transmission
      • Clinical Course and Significance of the Disease
      • Table 1: Stages and Clinical Features of Pertussis
      • Complications
      • Case Study, continuedThe clinician calls the laboratory to obtain instructions for the collection of the specimen. Which of these specimens and collec...
      • Proper Specimen Collection and Transport
  • Laboratory Workup
      • Identification by Culture Methods
      • Case Study, continued: Laboratory Testing
      • Case study, continued Upon arrival in the laboratory, one of the swabs is used for culture. Which one of these selective media is an appropriate choic...
      • Case Study, continuedAfter four days of incubation at 37°C, small, shiny colonies are observed on the Regan-Lowe agar. A Gram stain of the cultur...
      • Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT)
      • Genomic Insertion Sequences
      • Single-Copy Gene Targets
      • Positive Predictive Value
      • Addressing False-Positive NAAT Results
      • True or false: Insertion sequences can move around and insert into different locations on the genome, changing the overall genetic sequence of the bac...
      • Direct Fluorescent-Antibody Staining (DFA)
      • White Blood Cell (WBC) Count
      • Case Study, continued: IgA, IgM and IgG Antibody Testing
      • Table 2: Advantages and Disadvantages of Laboratory Tests for Identification of B. pertussis
      • Clinical Stages of Pertussis and Optimal Timing for Diagnostic Testing
      • Which of these tests may be performed late in the course of B. pertussis infection?
      • How does the prevalence of a particular pathogen in a given area correlate to positive predictive values?
  • Case study conclusion
      • Case Study Conclusion
      • Treatment and Dosing for Pertussis
      • Prevention
      • Which of the following antibiotics is recommended for infants less than one month old for treatment of Bordetella pertussis infection?
  • References

Additional Information

Level of instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, pathology residents, MLS students, and other health care personnel who have an interest in this subject matter.
Author information: Leah Ames, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM is a medical technologist in the Molecular Diagnostics department at Alverno Clinical Laboratories. She also serves as adjunct faculty for molecular diagnostics in the CLS program at Northern Illinois University and is an instructor of molecular diagnostics for Franciscan St. Margaret Health School of Medical Technology. Leah holds an M.S. degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from Michigan State University and a B.S. in Molecular and Integrative Physiology from the University of Illinois.
Reviewer information:
Adelisa Franchitti, MS, MLS, is currently employed by General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital Laboratory. Previous to this employment, she was an Instructor in the Department of Biochemistry, Kansas State University. Ms. Franchitti holds a Masters in Microbiology and a Masters in Molecular Biology.
Laurie Bjerklie, M.A., MLS(ASCP)CM, is currently a Content Developer for MediaLab and LabCE. She has been in higher education for over 14 years, has been a professor in both MLT and MLS programs, and served as a Program Director.

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 179 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
B.pertusis gram stain.
Image courtesy of www.phil.cdc.gov


DFA small


Pertussis cases 1940 to 2012


Pertussis Disease Progression.
Image courtesy of www.cdc.gov