Introduction: PERTINENT is a pilot active surveillance system of infants hospitalised with pertussis in six European Union/European Economic Area countries (37 hospitals, seven sites). Aim: this observational study aimed to estimate annual pertussis incidence per site from 2016 to 2018 and respective trends between 2017 and 2018. Pertussis cases were described, including their severity. Methods: we developed a generic protocol and laboratory guidelines to harmonise practices across sites. Cases were hospitalised infants testing positive for Bordetella pertussis by PCR or culture. Sites collected demographic, clinical, laboratory data, vaccination status, and risk/protective factors. We estimated sites" annual incidences by dividing case numbers by the catchment populations. Results: from December 2015 to December 2018, we identified 469 cases (247 males; 53%). The median age, birthweight and gestational age were 2.5 months (range: 0-11.6; interquartile range (IQR): 2.5), 3,280 g (range: 700-4,925; IQR: 720) and 39 weeks (range: 25-42; IQR: 2), respectively. Thirty cases (6%) had atypical presentation either with cough or cyanosis only or with absence of pertussis-like symptoms. Of 330 cases with information, 83 (25%) were admitted to intensive care units including five deceased infants too young to be vaccinated. Incidence rate ratios between 2018 and 2017 were 1.43 in Czech Republic (p = 0.468), 0.25 in Catalonia (p = 0.002), 0.71 in France (p = 0.034), 0.14 in Ireland (p = 0.002), 0.63 in Italy (p = 0.053), 0.21 in Navarra (p = 0.148) and zero in Norway. Conclusions: incidence appeared to decrease between 2017 and 2018 in all but one site. Enhanced surveillance of hospitalised pertussis in Europe is essential to monitor pertussis epidemiology and disease burden.
Auteur : Merdrignac Lore, Aït El Belghiti Fatima, Pandolfi Elisabetta, Jané Mireia, Murphy Jane, Fabiánová Kateřina, García Cenoz Manuel, Flem Elmira, Guillot Sophie, Tozzi Alberto E, Carmona Gloria, Habington Adele, Zavadilová Jana, Navasués Ana, Bøås Håkon, Lévy-Brühl Daniel, Ferretti Beatrice, Lanaspa Miguel, O'Sullivan Niam, Křížová Pavla, Fernandino Leticia, Bekkevold Terese, Hanslik Thomas, Muñoz-Almagro Carmen, Bacci Sabrina, Spiteri Gianfranco, Valenciano Marta, Moren Alain
Eurosurveillance, 2021, vol. 26, n°. 4, p. 1-12
