EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HUMAN BORDETELLA-BRONCHIS EPTICA INFECTIONS

Bordetella bronchiseptica (BBS) is responsible of respiratory infectio ns in many animal species. In 1991, 25 cases of human infections were cited. In the last five years, 52 human infections were referenced, wi th 72 isolates, in France. For almost all cases these infections were linked to immunodepression or a respiratory pathology. BBS can be cons idered as an opportunistic pathogen in humans. It synthesizes toxins a nd adhesins similar to those of Bordetella pertussis (BP), the agent o f whooping cough, except for pertussis toxin. BBS is resistant to beta lactamins such as cefotaxime, aztreonam and cephamycins. Imipenem and C14 macrolides are active but surprisingly not C16 macrolides. Cycline s, cotrimoxazole and chloramphenicol are also active. However, whereas treated, BBS respiratory infections are long lasting suggesting a per sistence of this bacterium inside the host. Persons in daily contact w ith animals have strongly positive BBS serology confirming the carriag e of this bacterium by humans. BBS infections are rare however studies on this bacterium are important to determine the factors involved in its pathogenicity but also to provide a model for studing BP.