PGI team reports rise in rare bacterium mimicking whooping cough in North India

Mohali: A team of scientists at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, reported a significant rise in infections caused by a lesser-known bacterium that mimics whooping cough (pertussis) in North India.

The finding comes from a detailed study published in the Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA). The research, conducted between 2019 and 2023, analysed 935 suspected pertussis cases and found that nearly 37% of the infections were caused by Bordetella holmesii — a bacterium that produces symptoms similar to classical whooping cough. This proportion surpassed infections caused by Bordetella pertussis, the conventional pathogen responsible for the disease.

The increase was most pronounced in 2023, particularly among children aged 5 to 10 years in northern India. Scientists said the discovery signals a shift in the pattern of respiratory illnesses previously attributed to pertussis.

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that once accounted for high childhood mortality rates. Though controlled in many countries through vaccination, the disease continues to pose a public health concern in Asia, especially in India and China. After a brief decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, both countries reported a sharp rebound in cases — with India alone reporting 13.6 million cases recently.

Data from PGIMERs ongoing surveillance since 2015 shows a marked decline in Bordetella pertussis infections from 15–20% to just 2–5%, while Bordetella holmesii infections have risen substantially during the same period.

The study was led by Dr Vikas Gautams laboratory at PGIMER, in collaboration with Dr Prabhu Patil from CSIR–IMTECH, Chandigarh. Earlier, the same team also identified Stenotrophomonas sepilia, a new bacterium responsible for sepsis, reinforcing PGIMERs reputation as a leading centre for infectious disease research.

Researchers said the latest findings highlight the need for enhanced disease surveillance, updated diagnostic tools, and increased awareness among clinicians to correctly identify and treat infections caused by Bordetella holmesii.

These findings indicate an evolving trend in the causes of pertussis-like illness in India, said Dr Gautam. Continuous monitoring is essential to understand the epidemiology and prevent misdiagnosis.

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