Rare Occurrence of Bordetella pertussis among Jordanian Children Younger than Two Years Old with Respiratory Tract Infections

Objectives This study investigated the frequency of the potentially pathogenic bacteria Mycoplasma. pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Bordetella parapertussis, and Bordetella pertussis among hospitalized Jordanian children. Methods A total of 420 swab samples were collected from the throats and noses of children younger than 2 years. DNA was extracted from the swab samples and was tested for the bacteria being investigated using PCR assays. Results The results showed the absence of M. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae, L. pneumophila, and B. parapertussis in all samples. B. pertussis was detected in two samples (0.48%) despite DTP vaccine being part of the Jordanian vaccination schedule. Conclusion This study suggests that certain uncommon bacterial respiratory pathogens rarely cause lower respiratory tract infections in young Jordanian children.