Rise in Infections Caused by Lesser-Known Bacterium in North India

Strategic Insights -

A study published in the Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal has found a significant increase in infections caused by Bordetella holmesii, a bacterium that mimics whooping cough, in North India. According to the research, conducted between 2019 and 2023, nearly 37% of suspected pertussis cases were caused by this lesser-known pathogen, surpassing infections caused by Bordetella pertussis, the conventional cause of the disease. The increase was most pronounced in 2023, particularly among children aged 5 to 10 years in northern India.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study, conducted at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), analyzed 935 suspected pertussis cases and found that 37% of infections were caused by Bordetella holmesii.
  • The proportion of Bordetella holmesii infections surpassed those caused by Bordetella pertussis, the conventional pathogen responsible for the disease.
  • The increase in infections caused by Bordetella holmesii was most pronounced in 2023, particularly among children aged 5 to 10 years in northern India.
  • The study highlights the need for enhanced disease surveillance, updated diagnostic tools, and increased awareness among clinicians to correctly identify and treat infections caused by Bordetella holmesii.
  • The research team, led by Dr. Vikas Gautam at PGIMER, also identified Stenotrophomonas sepilia, a new bacterium responsible for sepsis, reinforcing PGIMER's reputation as a leading centre for infectious disease research.
  • The study notes that the rise in infections caused by Bordetella holmesii indicates an evolving trend in the causes of pertussis-like illness in India.

Statistics:

  • 37% of suspected pertussis cases were caused by Bordetella holmesii (Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal).
  • In 2023, the number of infections caused by Bordetella holmesii increased significantly, particularly among children aged 5 to 10 years in northern India.
  • From 2015 to 2023, the proportion of Bordetella pertussis infections declined from 15-20% to 2-5%, while Bordetella holmesii infections rose substantially (PGIMER).
  • India reported 13.6 million pertussis cases recently (after a brief decline during the COVID-19 pandemic).
  • 935 suspected pertussis cases were analyzed in the study (Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal).

Sources:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA (Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal)
  • Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER)
  • CSIR--IMTECH, Chandigarh (Dr. Prabhu Patil)