pertussis v. adenovirus v. microplasma(mycoplasma)

[mykids'mom]

My 3 yr. old & 6 yr. old came down w/classic symptoms of pertussis, despite having been immunized. We did not get the nasal swab, b/c they had already been treated w/zithromax (during the 2-3 weeks prior to diagnosis when they were being treated for "asthma" or "other respiratory infection"). They had a blood test, however, and it came back positive for both adenovirus and microplasma (mycoplasma) (mycoplasma?). Is it possible that antibodies for perussis could not show up in the lab work?  How do I know the prognosis for those other two infections?  (I had already become mentally prepared for 100 days of cough).  Chest x-rays were negative. They are being treated aggressively for their symptoms regardless. (Xopenene, Atrovent, Pulmicort, Singulair, and now a week of prednisone). The problem is their allergist has no time for questions...so here I am.  Thank you for any input!

[National Jewish]

If the blood test looked for Pertussis antibodies, it is a very good test.  If your children have wheezing and coughing triggered by the adenovirus and/or Mycoplasma, it is possible they will have their symptoms for several weeks.  Sometimes Mycoplasma-induced wheezing lasts for much longer, particularly in children who have had wheezing before.  The infection is gone in less time, but the inflammatory reaction in the lungs persists.  This looks a lot like asthma, but usually clears up.  If the symptoms in your children are either persisting or getting worse, I would keep in close contact with your allergist.