Bordetella pertussis was transmitted from an immunized boy to his fath
er and possibly to other family members. This case report demonstrates
that although unusual, acute adult B. pertussis infection can occur.
B. pertussis immunization may not prevent infection but can reduce the
severity. B. pertussis was detected in sputum from the adult by direc
t-fluorescent antibody staining and was grown on Regan-Lowe medium. Se
rology tests confirmed the infection in the adult.