The History of Pertussis: from an Ancient Scourge to a Contemporary Health Burden

Francesco M Galassi, Elena Varotto, Mariano Martini

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
102 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The present article offers a historical overview on pertussis (whooping cough) by analysing the ancient epidemic manifestations of the disease and the path towards the discovery of an effective vaccine against it. The original mentions of pertussis are examined with reference to Mediaeval Afghanistan and the famous AD 1578 Paris epidemic described by the French physician Guillaume de Baillou. The historical data are then matched with information derived from analyses of phylogenetic trees of B. pertussis. Finally, this article also highlights some recent challenges posed to public health by this infectious disease.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)E507-E511
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene
Volume64
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Jan 2024

Keywords

  • History of infectious diseases
  • History of medicine
  • Immunisation
  • Pertussis
  • Palaeopathology
  • Vaccination
  • Whooping cough

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