Introduction: Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis and to minor extent B. parapertussis. Despite high vaccination coverage, epidemics persist worldwide. Laboratory testing with the capacity to support increasing demand and generate fast and accurate results is needed to promptly provide treatment to mitigate symptoms, prevent transmission, and thus impact infection control and disease surveillance.
Areas covered: This review will describe the features of the Simplexa™ Bordetella Direct Assay and compare this technology with other existing assays. Unmet needs and future directions will be discussed.
Expert commentary: Resurgence of pertussis highlights the importance of reliable and accurate diagnosis. The Simplexa™ Bordetella Direct Assay provides an easy workflow, reduced hand-on time, less risk of contamination, and rapid turnaround time. The use of efficient molecular assays in routine clinical laboratory is valuable for increasing demand, improvement of infection control, and surveillance.
Keywords: B. pertussis; PCR; Pertussis; molecular testing; whooping cough.