The Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene Vienna has taken over the tasks of a National Reference Centre for Pertussis Surveillance and Laboratory 2024 and is part of the Public Health Business Unit.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is transmitted by droplet infection through contact with sick people. Initially, cold symptoms occur, followed by typical coughing fits that last for weeks and slowly subside. Severe complications such as pneumonia, seizures or brain damage can occur, especially in small children. Infants and young children have an increased risk of a severe, possibly fatal course.

In recent years, an increasing number of infections have been observed in both unvaccinated and vaccinated people. The course of the disease can vary greatly and be atypical depending on the immune status, especially in adolescents and adults. A rapid and correct laboratory diagnosis is therefore important in order to prevent further spread with antibiotic therapy at an early stage.

• Molecular biological typing of Bordetella spp. using molecular biological methods
• Cultivation and identification of Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella parapertussis and other Bordetella spp. from human medical samples using cultural methods
• Molecular epidemiology in the event of an outbreak
• Carrying out resistance testing
• Exchange of information at national and international level
• Participation in European ring trials
• Management of a reference strain collection
• Reporting
• Advice on questions of diagnostics, epidemiology, therapy, measures and prevention