Important Note

This assay provides qualitative detection and differentiation of Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis. Testing should be considered when clinical suspicion for pertussis persists despite a negative Respiratory Pathogen Panel (REPP) or as a stand-alone assay when REPP testing is not indicated. Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of pertussis (whooping cough), while Bordetella parapertussis causes a similar but generally less severe illness. PCR is the preferred diagnostic method for the detection of acute Bordetella infection.