Case report: We encountered a 28 -day -old infant with progressive respiratory failure diagnosed with pertussis after discharge from the hospital. Here, we describe the disease course, diagnostic difficulties and treatment procedure. After 20 days of treatment based on the doctors’ experience (without an established diagnosis), the child was deemed healthy and discharged. At the 6 -month follow -up, the child was healthy and showed normal development. No other Bordetella pertussis infections among newborns or hospital staff who were in contact with the patient and his family were reported.
Conclusion: Pertussis morbidity is high in infants younger than 6 months, and the disease should be suspected in any case of respiratory failure. The serological diagnosis of pertussis depends mostly on the organization and effectiveness of the healthcare system; therefore, medical history and physical examination are vital factors in the diagnostic process. The treatment of pertussis in infants should take place in centres with an intensive care unit.