Usefulness of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis in assessing nosocomial transmission of pertussis

During a 2-week period, three infants with a cough lasting at least 8 days with whoops, were admitted to the pediatric unit; Bordetella pertussis was isolated from nasopharyngeal aspirates collected hom the three infants. App roximately 1 week. later, a nurse working on the same unit developed influe nza-like symptoms followed by whooping cough; B pertussis was isolated. Iso lates from the nurse and from one of the infants were shown Lo be indisting uishable by pulsed-field (gel electrophoresis. These data demonstrate that B pertussis transmission to healthcare workers is possible and emphasize th e need to use respiratory protection devices (Droplet Precautions) for heal thcare workers having close contact with infected children.