Bordetella reference services

The APU offers a range of reference, enhanced surveillance, and referred tests useful in the investigation of individual cases and outbreaks of pertussis infection. These are serology, genome detection by PCR, identification and, where appropriate, phenotypic and genotypic characterisation of isolates.

The laboratory is happy to discuss and advise upon particular diagnostic and clinical problems and laboratory aspects of epidemiological investigations, ask for Dr Norman Fry (020 8327 6776) or Dr Tim Harrison (020 8327 6906) in the first instance.

The laboratory works very closely with the Immunisation Department of HPA-CfI and reports all clinically relevant results to them. National surveillance of pertussis is undertaken by Prof. Elizabeth Miller who can be contacted on 0208 205 7430.

Estimation of antibodies directed against Bordetella pertussis

The APU offers a referred (charged for) serological service for the diagnosis of pertussis. Anti-pertussis toxin (PT) IgG antibody levels are determined using an in-house EIA.

This service is offered where the following criteria are met: single samples taken >2 weeks after onset for any individuals with a history of prolonged cough.

Please note: This service is NOT suitable for assessment of immune status.

Turnround time: Under normal circumstances sera are processed weekly and sera found to be positive on screening are re-assayed to determine their endpoint, therefore the 'routine' turnaround time ranges from 2-10 calendar days. Send not less than 400ul of serum.

Bordetella pertussis Genome Detection

Currently two PCRs are undertaken on each sample. One is directed against the B.pertussis toxin promoter and the second is directed against the insertion sequence IS481, which occurs in both B.pertussis and B.holmesii and some strains of B. bronchiseptica.

This service is offered free of charge (in England and Wales) where the following criteria are met: Pernasal swabs or Nasopharagneal aspirates (NPA) from an acutely ill child age =< 12 months admitted to PICU or paediatric ward with respiratory illness compatible with pertussis. It is offered as a referred (charged) service for colleagues in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Turnround time:

Please do not submit samples that have been collected more than 72 hours previously without first discussing this with the laboratory.

We try to process samples daily and therefore results will be available the same day for specimens received by 10am. Please supply an accurate contact telephone number for receipt of results.

Written confirmation of telephone reports will be provided, usually within 4 calendar days.

The identification and characterisation of isolates of Bordetella spp.

Identification and characterisation of B. pertussis

The laboratory encourages submission of all Bordetella pertussis isolates for confirmation
and national surveillance purposes.

Turnround time: These samples will be processed on receipt and therefore under normal circumstances turnaround times will range from 4-10 calendar days.

Identification and characterisation of Bordetella species

The APU is pleased to receive putative isolates of Bordetella spp. from any human source. These will be fully characterised by a range of phenotypic and genotypic methods.

Turnround time: Turnaround times will vary depending on the nature of the enquiry and the complexity of the investigations required.

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How to obtain Bordetella services

Use the R1 Atypical pneumonia request form (PDF, 319 KB)
Atypical pneumonia request form, December 2010

and supply:

for serology: Not less than 400µl serum

for PCR: supply pernasal swabs or NPA (nasopharyngeal aspirate) in a sterile container

for identification/serotyping: Pure cultures on a suitable agar slope or growth from a plate in charcoal transport medium

Specimen submissions regarded by the sending laboratory as urgent should be notified to APU by telephone (020 8327 7331/6906/7222) to ensure that the appropriate level of priority is accorded to these specimens immediately upon receipt.

Other information:

In conjunction with the Immunisation Department, CfI, the APU will provide laboratory support for any investigations into pertussis outbreaks. Contact the laboratory before sending any samples.

Last reviewed: 14 April 2010