ABSTRACT
Abstract: Introduction: Whooping cough continues to be a public health problem. The objective of the study was to characterize the hospital discharge diagnosed with pertussis confirmed by Multiplex PCR in respiratory samples with Bordetella pertussis isolation in the Hospital Metropolitano Quito, 2015-2018 period. Materials and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of confirmed cases with Bordetella pertussis by Multiplex PCR in respiratory samples, period 2015-2018. Results and discussion: During 4 years, it was suspected in 19 cases of which 10 were confirmed, by PCR in respiratory samples, 1 case had positive confirmation by culture for Bordetella pertussis in the National Health Institute of Public Health Research. 80% (8) corresponded to younger infants. 20% (2) presented respiratory failure and 50% (5) entered the ICU, 3 of them required mechanical ventilation. In 40% (4) more than one microorganism was isolated in the respiratory panel, where Rhinovirus 1, 2, 3, 4 were prevalent. 100% (10) was dependent on supplemental oxygen and 50% (5) was discharged with home oxygen. 60% (6) presented incomplete vaccination for age. The average hospitalization was 8 days. 50% (5) received antibiotic therapy prior to admission. The hospital treatment was clarithromycin. All cases had family contact with respiratory infection. No mortality was recorded. Bordetella pertussis is an important causal agent of hospital admission in infants. It is imperative to maintain adequate vaccination strategies and achieve an adequate herd effect.