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Was ist Keuchhusten (Pertussis) und warum ist die Erkrankung sehr gefährlich für Kinder?

What is whooping cough (pertussis) and why is the disease very dangerous for children?

Gough cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium bordetella pertussis. This disease is particularly dangerous for infants and toddlers, but can also affect adults. The symptoms often begin with a mild one A cold, followed by violent coughing fits, which are characterized by the characteristic "gasp" when inhaling. Shame cough can lead to serious complications, especially among young children, including shortness of breath and pneumonia. Vaccinations are the most important protection against whooping cough and are usually administered in childhood, which has greatly reduced the spread of the disease. Despite the availability of vaccines, there are still outbreaks, which underlines the need for continuous education and vaccination.

Definition and overview

Populum, referred to medically as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium bordetella pertussis. The transmission is mainly through droplet infection when an infected person coughs or sneezed. Infants that are not yet fully vaccinated are particularly at risk.

To ensure vaccination protection, refresh vaccinations are particularly important for adults and pregnant women. It is recommended that pregnant women receive a refreshness in the third pregnancy trimester to protect their newborns from whooping cough. This helps increase the antibody mirror that is transferred to the baby via the placenta.

The importance of vaccination is enormous because it not only protects the pregnant women, but also the susceptible infants from serious disease courses. Due to a high degree of vaccination in the population, the spread of the disease can be contained and the risk of epidemics can be reduced. A comprehensive vaccination protection is therefore crucial in the fight against whooping cough.

Historical context

Populum, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection that has been documented since the Middle Ages. Historically, the disease increased with urbanization and the associated compression of the population in the 19th century. These social factors led to a faster spread of infectious diseases.

In this time, the first efforts to reform in healthcare were politically. The cholera epidemics in the 1830s sensitized the public and the governments for hygienic measures. These developments led to the establishment of health authorities and the introduction of vaccination campaigns in the 20th century, which also affected whooping coughs.

Economically, the changes in industrial society influenced the living conditions of many people. Poverty and bad living conditions contributed to the susceptibility to diseases such as whooping cough. In the context of these historical events and developments, the collapse of immunity in overcrowded districts was favored, which underlined the need for a vaccination strategy to combat the whooping custody. In this way, social, political and economic aspects are closely interwoven and shape the history of the disease together.

Causes of whooping cough

Purulentae, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium bordetella pertussis. This disease is particularly dangerous for infants and toddlers, but can affect people of all ages. The infection typically begins with mild symptoms, which quickly aggravate and to the characteristic, shaking -like Cough lead that gives the disease its name. The Cough It can be so strong that it leads to shortness of breath, which is particularly alarming in young children. In the following treatise, the various causes of whooping cough are examined in more detail in order to enable a better understanding of this disease and show how infection can take place and which risk factors play a role.

Bacterium responsible: Bordetella pertussis

Bordetella pertussis is the bacterium that causes the highly contagious infectious disease. It belongs to the group of gram-negative bacteria and causes severe respiratory diseases. The transmission is mainly through droplet infection if infected people speak, Cough Or sneeze microscopically small droplets with the bacterium in the air. These droplets can be inhaled by other people, which quickly spreads the disease.

Infants are particularly at risk because their immune system has not yet fully developed and they often experience more difficult courses in the disease. Shame cough can lead to shortness of breath and serious complications that can be life -threatening in some cases.

To prevent whooping cough, the pertussis vaccination is of crucial importance. Vaccination not only protects the vaccinated people, but also helps to reduce the spread of the bacterium in the community. It is important to check the vaccination status regularly and carry out refresh vaccinations in good time, especially for pregnant women and people who are in contact with infants.

Transmission methods

Shame cough caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis is mainly transmitted by droplet infection. This happens when an infected person coughs or sneezes and puts small droplets into the air, which are then inhaled by others. Especially in the first two weeks after the start of the illness there is a high risk of infection, since the symptoms are often mild and flu -like at this point, which makes the diagnosis difficult.

The infection can exist up to five weeks after the first symptoms appear. Asymptomatic straps can also spread the bacterium during this time. In order to prevent the spread of whooping cough, the isolation of infected patients is of crucial importance during antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics can significantly reduce the duration of infection, which is why timely treatment and isolation are recommended to protect others.

Shame cough (pertussis)

Shame cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the bacterium bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by a heavy, persistent Cough from, which can be particularly life -threatening for infants. This disease often leads to breathing problems and can strongly endanger the health of the smallest.

The importance of the pertussis vaccination cannot be emphasized enough. Vaccination is the best protection against this contagious disease and should take place in early childhood. Adults also need regular refreshments to prevent the transmission of the virus and thus protect endangered people.

The disease typically runs in three stages: in the first stage, flu -like symptoms appear, followed by severe coughing fits in the second stage that can last for weeks. In the third stage, the coughing fits gradually decrease, but recovery can take a long time. It is crucial to follow the vaccination recommendations to minimize the spread of whooping cough.

Pathogen

The pathogen of whooping cough is Bordetella Pertussis, a gram -negative bacterium that is noticeable due to its virulent toxins and factors. One of the most important toxins is the pertussis toxin that influences the body's immune response and leads to the typical symptoms of the disease. Bordetella Pertussis also produces Filamentous Hemaglutinin, which is involved in the colonization of the airways and promotes adhesion on epithelial cells.

The transmission is mainly via droplet infection. Infected persons spread the bacterium at Cough, Sneeze or speak. Man is the only known reservoir of this disease, which makes control and prevention of the disease particularly important.

Especially in the early phase of the disease there is a high risk of infection, since the symptoms are often mild and are easily overlooked. Therefore, early diagnosis and vaccination is of great importance to prevent the spread of whooping cough.

Happen

Populum, also known as Pertussis, is a widespread disease worldwide that occurs all year round. However, the number of cases shows seasonal fluctuations, with an increase in infections to be observed, especially in autumn and winter. These seasonal patterns are of great importance for public health because they indicate the need for regular prevention measures.

The increased infection rate in the colder months requires increased sensitization and vaccination campaigns to protect the population from whooping cough. Vaccinations are crucial to control the spread of the pathogen and to protect vulnerable groups such as infants and older people. Continuous monitoring of the number of cases helps to develop targeted health strategies and increase vaccination rates.

Overall, the occurrence of Pertussis is a challenge that is reinforced by seasonal fluctuations, which is why a comprehensive vaccination strategy is essential to prevent the spread of the disease.

reservoir

The reservoirs of the pathogens for whooping cough are crucial for understanding the spread of these diseases. * Bordetella pertussis* and* bordetella Holmesii* have the only reservoir. This means that these pathogens occur exclusively in humans and thus the transfer and spread of the disease are directly from person to person. In contrast, * Bordetella Parapertussis * has a wider reservoir and is found in both humans and at sheep. This enables an additional source of transmission that can influence the epidemiology of the disease.

Infection path

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is mainly transmitted by droplets. These occur when an infected person coughs or sneezes and releases small droplets in the air. Other people can inhale these droplets and thus put themselves in. The risk of infection in the first two weeks after the first symptoms appeared is particularly high. During this time, the viral load is greatest, and the risk of infecting others is extremely increased.

It is important to note that the risk of infection can remain up to the fifth week after the start of the illness. Even if the symptoms subside, the pathogens can continue to exist in the area and infect others. It is therefore crucial to see a doctor at an early stage if Pertussis suspected and take suitable measures to prevent the expansion of the infection. Vaccinations are also an important part of prevention against this contagious disease.

Duration of the infection

Hull cough, also known as Pertussis, is a highly contagious disease. The duration of the infection is an important aspect for controlling the spread. After the start of antibiotic therapy, the infection remains for up to five days. However, without treatment, however, the ability to infection can last up to three weeks after the start of the Convulsivum stage.

In order to prevent further distribution, it is strongly recommended to isolate patients with whooping cough, especially if they are in contact with high -risk patients, such as pregnant, newborns or immunocompromised persons.

In addition, there is the possibility to check the infection by means of a pathogen detection. This can help to ensure targeted treatment and early insulation of those affected to protect the community and to reduce the spread of whooping cough.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of whooping cough (pertussis) includes various methods for identifying the Bordetella pertussis pathogen. The preferred method is the sample of a deep nasopharyngeal smear used for the PCR (polymerase chain reaction). This method enables sensitive and specific detection of the Bordetella Pertussis genetic engineering.

In addition, a cultural cultivation of the pathogen can be carried out, which is also obtained from the nasopharyngeal smear. This method has the advantage that it enables molecular biological characterizations and antibiotic resistance tests to assess the effectiveness of therapies.

Serological diagnostics with an ELISA test to determine IGG antibodies is also important, especially between the 2nd and 8th week after the start of the cough attacks. This test can help distinguish an infectious phase from other causes of cough and thus support the diagnosis. The combination of these diagnostic techniques enables a comprehensive assessment of the whooping cough infection status.

therapy

Pertussis, also known as a whooping cough, is treated with antibiotics, with the early beginning of therapy being of great importance. The earlier the treatment begins, the more effective it can be. Antibiotics such as azithromycin or erythromycin help to remove the bacteria that are responsible for the disease from the nose and throat.

The early administration of antibiotics not only reduces the severity of the symptoms, but also significantly reduces the transmission risk to other people. If the antibiotic treatment is started within the first two weeks after the symptoms occur, the spread of the disease can be heavily contained.

It is important to see a doctor immediately if Pertussis suspected to initiate the appropriate treatment. A quick reaction helps to reduce the spread of whooping coughs in the community and protects particularly endangered people such as infants and immunocompromised people.

Infection protection and hygiene measures

Heurking, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Infants and toddlers who can suffer from complications are particularly at risk. In view of the serious health risks, it is crucial to take preventive measures to prevent the spread of this disease. Infection protection and hygiene measures play an important role. These measures include timely vaccination, compliance with hygiene rules such as washing hands and wearing Masks in community facilities. These targeted protective measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection and illness. In the following sections, these aspects are examined in more detail and practical recommendations are given to optimize infection protection in connection with whooping cough.

2. Measures for patients and contact persons

If you suspect whooping cough, patients should be insulated immediately to prevent the expansion of the infection. The insulation guidelines recommend that symptomatic people remain isolated up to five days after the start of adequate antibiotic therapy. Contact persons who are un forecast or have no complete vaccination status should consider chemoprophylaxis to minimize the risk of infection.

Returning to community facilities is only carried out if the patient is symptom -free at least five days after the start of the treatment. For people suspected of illness, they should see a doctor immediately. Sugged contact persons are usually not necessary to undergo chemoprophylaxis, but should pay attention to symptoms carefully and consult a doctor in the event of signs of an infection.

These measures are crucial to control the spread of whooping cough in the community and to protect the health of everyone involved.

3. Measures for outbreaks

In the event of outbursts of whooping coughs, immediate measures are required. First of all, the health department must be notified in order to monitor the epidemiology of the outbreak. Insolation measures are mandatory for infected patients to prevent the spread of the pathogen. People who are not vaccinated against whooping cough and had contact with infected should consider chemoprophylaxis to minimize the risk of a disease.

In hospitals, it is crucial to separate infected patients to protect other patients and medical staff. Returning in community facilities is only carried out if patients are symptom -free at least five days after the start of antibiotic therapy and there is a negative test result.

Antibiotic therapy plays a central role in the treatment and minimizes the infectiousity of those affected. A negative test result supports the decision to terminate the isolation and enables return to the community. It is important to consistently implement all measures mentioned in order to effectively contain the spread of whooping cough.

Legal basis

Heurking, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It manifests itself through long -lasting, cramp -like cough, which goes hand in hand with shortness of breath and sometimes also with a characteristic "gasp". Infants and toddlers are particularly at risk who can suffer the more difficult courses of the disease. In order to contain the spread of whooping cough and protect the endangered groups, legal requirements and regulations for vaccination and notification of diseases are implemented in many countries. In Germany, for example, there is a legal basis for vaccinations that is anchored in the Infection Protection Act (IFSG). These regulations determine which vaccinations are recommended and which evidence obligations apply to schools and kindergartens. It is crucial to be informed about this legal basis in order to promote public health and prevent the spread of whooping cough.

Notification obligation in accordance with IFSG

The notification obligation in accordance with the Infection Protection Act (IFSG) obliges headers of community institutions to inform the competent health office immediately if people are ill in their facility or there is a suspicion of an illness. Shame cough is an extremely contagious infectious disease that can spread quickly, especially in community facilities such as schools, kindergartens or homes.

The immediate communication to the health department is an essential measure to prevent the spread of this disease and to protect other people's health in the facility. In addition, there are other communications obligations in Thuringia, which must be observed to ensure comprehensive infection protection. It is crucial that all leaders are aware of this obligation and, in the event of an illness, quickly act in order to maintain the health of the community.

Distribution and frequency

Shame cough, also known as Pertussis, is increasingly widespread in Austria. While the disease rate has been reduced in the past, rising cases have been observed again in recent years, especially in adults in the age group of 40 to 45 years. These trends are not only national, but also resemble global developments, where adults are increasingly affected by whooping cough.

An important factor for the increase in illness is the declining vaccination protection. Many adults, especially in the age groups mentioned above, have not received any refreshing vaccination since childhood, which reduces their immunity towards whooping cough. The combination of a higher number of unimplited or insufficient vaccinated individuals and the high risk of infection promotes the spread of this disease.

Overall, it can be seen that the spread and frequency of whooping cough in Austria, especially in adults, increases alarming, which urgently requires increased vaccination measures.

Prevention - a vaccination protects!

Gough cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease, which can be particularly life -threatening for newborns. Vaccination against whooping cough is the most effective way to prevent diseases and not only protects the vaccinated, but also helps to strengthen herdnity. Refreshing vaccinations are important in every age to maintain vaccination protection. In particular, pregnant women and contact persons from newborns should be refreshed because they can significantly reduce the risk of transmission.

The constant vaccination commission (STIKO) recommends that the first dose of the whooping cough vaccination in infancy, followed by other doses in childhood and adolescence. Adults should receive a refresher vaccination every 10 years to ensure vaccination protection. Since whooping cough is often transmitted by adults unnoticed, it is crucial to check the vaccination status regularly and act accordingly. A vaccination protects - especially the weakest in our society!

When and how often is vaccinated against whooping cough?

Shall cough, also known as pertussis, is a high -containing respiratory disease, which can cause serious complications, especially in infants and toddlers. In order to protect the population, the whooping cough vaccination was included in the vaccination calendar of many countries. This vaccination plays a crucial role in the prevention of this disease, since it not only the vaccinated, but also protects the community by reducing the spread of the pathogen. In the following sections you will find out when and how often people are vaccinated against whooping cough to get a comprehensive overview of the recommended vaccinations and their schedule.

Possible side effects of vaccination against whooping cough

Vaccination against whooping cough can cause different side effects. The most common reactions at the vaccination site include pain, redness and swelling. General symptoms such as slight fever and discomfort are also common and usually sound within a few days.

Rarely, however, more serious side effects occur. This includes allergic reactions that can lead to breathing problems or rashes in some cases. In infants, there is also a risk of febrile cramps, which is a serious reaction, but rarely occurs.

It is important to note that despite the vaccination, an illness of whooping cough is possible. Vaccination protection is effective, but not 100 percent protection against infection. It is therefore advisable to continue to pay attention to symptoms and to obtain medical advice in the event of illnesses.

Atypical courses

Shame cough, a highly contagious disease, can show atypical courses, especially in infants under six months. These infants are often unable to develop the typical coughing fits, which can lead to respiratory standards. These situations are life -threatening and require immediate medical measures.

In young people and adults, on the other hand, whooping cough often only manifests itself by an annoying, dry cough, which is often considered harmless. These non -specific symptoms make the clinical detection of the disease difficult, which can lead to delays in treatment.

It is important to have the dangers of atypical courses in consciousness and to take preventive measures. Early vaccination against whooping cough plays a crucial role in preventing, especially in infants, to minimize the risk of serious complications. The protection of particularly endangered groups should therefore always be a top priority.

Stadium Catarrhale (Prodromalstadium)

The Catarrhale stage, also known as Prodromalstadium, occurs after an incubation period of 7 to 14 days. In this phase, those affected show flu -like symptoms such as slight fever, runny nose and a dry cough. This stage usually lasts about one to two weeks and is particularly important because the risk of infection is greatest at this time.

The symptoms are often non -specific and can easily be with an ordinary one A cold be confused. This confusion can lead to a whooping cough is not recognized immediately. However, it is crucial to observe the flu -like symptoms carefully because they indicate the beginning of the disease. If you suspect whooping cough, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible in order to enable early diagnosis and treatment. The clarification of the Catarrhale stage is therefore an important step to contain the risk of infection and to protect the vulnerable groups.

Stadium Convulsivum

The Convulsivum stage for whooping cough is characterized by characteristic cough attacks that suddenly use and run like staccato. During these coughing fits, the patient often stretches out the tongue and typically ends with a striking juchzen. The frequency of the attacks can vary, but they usually occur several times an hour, especially at night and when the airways are irritated.

The trigger for the cough attacks are often cold air, physical exertion or inhaling smoke and dust. During this phase there is often a choking of glassy mucus, which is with strong Cough is connected. In some cases, the pressure on the stomach can become so strong that vomiting occurs.

The duration of the coughing attacks can be different, but mostly they last a few minutes and represent an enormous burden for those affected and their relatives. Understanding this phase is crucial for the correct treatment and support of the patients.

Stadium Decrementi

In the Stadium Decrementi of the whooping custody, which lasts about three to six weeks, the frequency of the cough attacks initially slowly decreases. This phase can even last up to ten weeks without antibiotic therapy. The coughing fits are gradually becoming less common and less difficult, but the disease can drag on over a longer period of time.

The so-called “whooped cough-I” is particularly striking, in which children can react to insignificant stimuli such as light changes or noises with coughing fits. This contributes to the additional burden of the affected children and their families. While the Decrementi stage is a progress in healing, coughing can continue to be stressful. Adequate monitoring and, if necessary, therapeutic measures are important to alleviate the symptoms during this transition phase.

Reporting

In Germany, whooping cough is subject to reporting obligation in accordance with Section 6 (1) of the Infection Protection Act (IFSG). This means that doctors and certain institutions are obliged to report suspected cases, illnesses and deaths to the responsible health authorities. This helps to monitor the spread of the disease and take suitable measures.

In Austria, the epideme law regulated the reporting obligation for whooping coughs in 1950. According to Section 1 (1) No. 2, doctors and health facilities are also obliged to report suspected cases and confirmed diseases. The message is intended to ensure that epidemiological data will be collected in good time in order to recognize possible outbreaks at an early stage.

The treating doctors are primarily responsible for the report in both countries. In addition, laboratories and health authorities can be integrated into the reporting process in order to ensure comprehensive monitoring of the disease. Compliance with this reporting obligation is important to protect public health and to promote effective prevention measures.

Differential diagnosis

With an lengthy Cough a careful differential diagnosis is essential, especially in connection with whooping cough (pertussis). The most common pathogens include rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These viruses can Cough cause, which is often associated with other respiratory symptoms.

In addition, bacterial pathogens such as mycoplasma pneumoniae and chlamydia pneumoniae should be considered, since they are atypical pneumonia and long -lasting Cough can cause.

It is particularly important for young people and adults to make a comprehensive clarification in order to exclude other diseases. Non -infectious causes, such as asthma or allergic reactions, can also be chronic Cough lead and should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Overall, the careful analysis of the symptoms and possible pathogens requires a differentiated approach to make the correct diagnosis and to initiate adequate treatment.

 

Source: iStockphoto Peopleimages

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