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Background: Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB) are associated with a variety of viral, and bacterial. infectious agents, some of which are potentially preventable by immunization. Bordetella pertussis, which causes whooping cough, has not been studied in this context. We aimed to assess the role of Bordetella infections in patients with AECB. Patients and Methods: Patients with AECB, who presented to participating private practices in Basel,, Switzerland, between October 2000 and June 2002, were evaluated by a standardized questionnaire, nasopharyngeal. swabs for culture (Bordetella spp.), and PCR (Bordetella spp. and selected other respiratory pathogens) and paired blood samples for serologic diagnosis of Bordetella infection. Results: A total. of 26 patients (34-86 years of age) were recruited. All, culture and PCR samples were negative. Serology revealed Bordetella infection in eight (31%) patients. Duration of cough was shorter in patients with Bordetella infection compared to those without Bordetella infection (mean 15 days vs 41 days, p = 0.04). Cough ≥ 21 days duration was present in three (43%) of seven patients with evidence of Bordetella infection compared to 17 (94%) of 18 controls (p = 0.012). Progression to convalescence from initial. to follow-up visit after 4-6 weeks was comparable between both groups. Conclusion: Bordetella infections appear to play a significant role in AECB and preventive measurements such as immunization with acellular pertussis vaccines should be considered. Extended investigations are necessary to confirm our preliminary and provocative findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the Brighton Collaboration case definition of acute intussusception, we reviewed all episodes reported to the Swiss Paediatric Surveillance Unit (SPSU) during 1 year (4/2003--3/2004). Of 96 confirmed episodes 86 (90%, 95% CI 83--96) were captured by the case definition. Of the remaining 10 episodes, 9 resolved spontaneously following presentation with clinical signs and symptoms, and ultrasound findings compatible with intussusception. Eighty-two episodes met level 1 of the definition, the highest level of diagnostic certainty. Compared to level 1, the sensitivity of level 2 (intermediate level) and level 3 (lowest level) was 65% (CI 55--74) and 30% (CI 20--40), respectively. In conclusion, the case definition was useful and applicable to assess the background rate of intussusception in the light of potential future rotavirus immunization.