The gold standard specimen for diagnosing pertussis (Bordetella pertussis infection) is a nasopharyngeal culture because:
B. pertussis colonizes the nasopharynx, making it the best site for detection.
A properly collected nasopharyngeal swab or aspirate increases diagnostic sensitivity.
This method is recommended for culture, PCR, or direct fluorescent antibody testing.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect?
A. Cough plate – Not commonly used due to low sensitivity.
B. Nares culture – The nares are not a primary site for pertussis colonization.
C. Sputum culture – B. pertussis does not commonly infect the lower respiratory tract.
CBIC Infection Control Reference
APIC confirms that nasopharyngeal culture is the preferred method for diagnosing pertussis.
Submit