Addition of a Homologous Internal Control to a Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection of Bordetella Pertussis (Technical Briefs‪)‬

Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is caused by Bordetella pertussis. The disease may show an atypical course, particularly in neonates and elderly patients. A rapid and safe diagnostic method is thus essential for appropriate treatment and prophylaxis. Culture has been considered the gold standard for detection of B. pertussis, but this method often lacks sensitivity, and a minimum of 4 days may be required to obtain results (1, 2). PCR is a rapid, sensitive, and specific method for the diagnosis of pertussis (3-5). In this study, a new molecular assay was established based on real-time PCR and including a homologous internal control (IC). We evaluated the performance of this assay with a commercially available genomic DNA isolate and with clinical samples.