Bordetella Pertussis Antibodies Blood Test, IgG

The bordetella pertussis antibodies blood test, IgG detects bordetella pertussis (Whooping Cough) and bordetella parapertussis (Whooping cough-like syndrome).

Description

The bordetella pertussis blood test is primarily used to test for bordetella pertussis bacterium.  This bacteria is the cause of pertussis or whooping cough, a respiratory disease. 

Symptoms during the first stage (1-2 weeks) of the infection include:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Mild cough
• Low-grade fever 

Symptoms of later-stage pertussis:

• Fits of many, rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound
• Vomiting during or after coughing fits
• Exhaustion after coughing fits

While pertussis vaccines are the most effective tool to prevent this disease, no vaccine is 100% effective. When pertussis circulates in the community, there is a chance that a fully vaccinated person, of any age, can catch this disease.

A positive bordetella pertussis antibodies, IgG may indicate a current or recent exposure or immunization.