Published December 8, 2025 | Version v1
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Técnicas moleculares en el diagnóstico de Bordetella pertussis: una revisión bibliográfica de los avances y desafíos en el laboratorio clínico

Authors/Creators

  • 1. Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo

Description

La tos ferina, causada por Bordetella pertussis, es una enfermedad respiratoria de relevancia global y especialmente peligrosa para lactantes y niños pequeños. A pesar de los programas de vacunación, la enfermedad permanece endémica y presenta brotes recurrentes, lo que constituye un desafío permanente para la salud pública. Esta revisión bibliográfica tiene como objetivo evaluar la aplicación de técnicas moleculares para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad. Se analizaron 119 estudios recuperados de bases de datos indexadas (MEDLINE, Scopus, ScienceDirect y Google Scholar), de los cuales se seleccionaron 20 publicados entre 2020 y 2025. Los resultados muestran que la PCR en tiempo real es el método predominante, utilizando principalmente los genes IS481 y ptxS1 como dianas moleculares. Técnicas emergentes como LAMP (amplificación isotérmica mediada por bucle) y plataformas basadas en CRISPR han demostrado alta sensibilidad (hasta 97,3 %) y especificidad (hasta 100 %), lo que las convierte en alternativas rápidas y prometedoras. Sin embargo, la implementación generalizada de estas metodologías enfrenta barreras importantes, como los elevados costos, la necesidad de personal capacitado y las limitaciones de infraestructura en entornos con pocos recursos. Además, la falta de estandarización de los protocolos continúa dificultando la comparabilidad entre estudios. Se concluye que, si bien los avances moleculares han transformado el diagnóstico y la vigilancia de B. pertussis, es indispensable superar los obstáculos operativos y económicos para garantizar un diagnóstico accesible y confiable, especialmente en las poblaciones más vulnerables.

Abstract (English)

Pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis, is a globally relevant respiratory disease and particularly dangerous for infants and children. Despite vaccination programs, the disease remains endemic with recurrent outbreaks, posing an ongoing public health challenge. This literature review evaluates the application of molecular techniques for its diagnosis, analysing 119 studies obtained from indexed databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar), of which 20 studies published between 2020 and 2025 were selected. The results identify real-time PCR as the predominant method, primarily targeting the IS481 and ptxS1 genes. Emerging techniques such as LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) and CRISPR-based systems demonstrate high sensitivity (up to 97.3%) and specificity (up to 100%), offering rapid and promising alternatives. However, widespread implementation faces significant barriers, including high costs, the need for specialized personnel, and limited infrastructure in resource-poor settings. The lack of standardized protocols also hinders the comparability of results. It is concluded that, while molecular advances have transformed the diagnosis and surveillance of B. pertussis, overcoming these operational and economic obstacles is crucial to ensuring accessible and reliable diagnosis, which is fundamental for disease control in the most vulnerable populations.

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Additional details

Additional titles

Translated title (English)
Molecular techniques used in the diagnosis of Bordetella pertussis: a literature review of developments and challenges in clinical laboratory

Identifiers

ISSN
2960-8317
DOI
10.61347/ei.v4i3.214

Dates

Submitted
2025-10-31
Recibido
Accepted
2025-12-05
Aceptado

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