Archive · 31 Oct 2025
Lesser-Known Bacteria Now a Major Cause of Chest Infections in North India, Study Finds
Imagine doctors thought only one type of germ, called Bordetella pertussis, caused a specific kind of cough, like whooping cough.
But a new study in North India found that a different, less common germ, Bordetella holmesii, is now causing many of these same coughs, especially in kids.
This is important because doctors might be treating the wrong germ.
The old way of finding and treating this cough needs to change to include this new germ.
This helps doctors figure out what's really making kids sick, give them the right medicine, and stop it from spreading better.
A study in North India found Bordetella holmesii is now a leading cause of pertussis-like chest infections.
Bordetella holmesii has overtaken Bordetella pertussis in prevalence among children aged 5-10 years and above.
The prevalence of Bordetella pertussis has dropped significantly, while Bordetella holmesii has risen notably between 2019 and 2023.
This shift impacts diagnostic accuracy, treatment strategies, and public health policies for respiratory illnesses.
Researchers recommend updating diagnostic frameworks, surveillance systems, and clinical guidelines to account for B. holmesii.
- Who
- Researchers from PGIMER, Chandigarh, and clinicians in North India
- What
- A lesser-known bacterium, Bordetella holmesii, is increasingly causing pertussis-like chest infections, surpassing Bordetella pertussis in prevalence.
- When
- Between 2019 and 2023, with a notable increase in 2023.
- Where
- North India, particularly among children aged 5-10 years and above.
- Why
- The shift in microbial landscape necessitates updates in diagnostic methods, treatment protocols, and public health surveillance for respiratory illnesses.
- Study Location
- North India
- Primary Research Institution
- PGIMER, Chandigarh
- Study Period
- 2019-2023
- Bacteria Replacing Bordetella pertussis
- Bordetella holmesii
- Affected Age Group
- Children aged 5-10 years and above
- B. holmesii Prevalence in Study
- Approx. 37% of suspected pertussis cases
- B. pertussis Prevalence Decline
- From 15-20% to 2-5%