In reply: Pertussis: adults as a source in healthcare settings

McCormack, Joseph G; Spearing, Natalie M; Horvath, Robert L

doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.2003.tb05151.x

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In reply: As we mentioned in our article, erythromycin is the drug of choice for treatment and prophylaxis of pertussis in people of all ages.1 Several statements can be made about the use of macrolides in this condition.2

Correspondence:

1. Spearing NM, Horvath RL, McCormack JG. Pertussis: adults as a source in healthcare settings. Med J Aust 2002; 177: 568-569.
2. Weber DJ, Rutala WA. Pertussis: a continuing hazard for healthcare facilities. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2001; 22: 736-740.
3. Wirsing von Konig CH, Postels-Multani S, Bock HL, Schmitt HL. Pertussis in adults: frequency of transmission after household exposure. Lancet 1995; 346: 1326-1329.
4. Halperin SA, Bortolussi R, Langley JL, et al. A randomised placebo-controlled trial of erythromycin estolate chemoprophylaxis for household contacts of children with culture-positive Bordetella pertussis infection. Pediatrics 1999; 104: e42.
5. Aoyama T, Sunakawa K, Iwata S, et al. Efficacy of short-term treatment of pertussis with clarithromycin and azithromycin. J Pediatrics 1996; 129: 761-764.

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