ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to perform a PCR technique on naso- pharyngeal swabs to detect BP in 59 children suffering from protracted cough lasting for at least two weeks and to compare the performance of three different techniques for diagnosis of BP; PCR, culture on Bordet Gengou agar and serological assays of IgM, IgA and IgG antibodies to FHA by enzyme immunoassay test. Three patients out of 59 [5.1%] were positive for B. pertussis by both PCR and culture methods. Eleven cases were positive for IgA antibodies compared to seven cases positive for IgA and only one by IgM. Serum IgA and IgG antibodies results showed highly significant correlation with results of culture and PCR, but no significant difference was found with IgM results. In conclusion, PCR was found to be an accurate and rapid method for detection of B. pertussis compared to culture method. The results of IgA and IgG antibody tests showed highly significant correlation to culture and PCR results